Jump to content

1964 Avanti power steering


khov221

Recommended Posts

ive got a 1964 studebaker avanti it has the original power steeering system that doesnt work as in it leaks very bad i know you can get this system rebuilt but i was wondering if there was a more modern system that you can put on the car

Edited by khov221
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Unless you decide to make drastic changes, like go to rack and pinion like some folks have done to their Avantis, you pretty much have to stick with what you have. I agree with you that the Bendix system isn't the greatest....it's basically an 'add on' assist for a manual steering system.....But if you deal with all the individual components, and restore them to like new condition, I think you'll find it to be a leak free, trouble free system, that you will rarely need to think about!....Good luck with your Avanti!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for the input guys i dont live in socal so i wont be able to do that and i dont have the cash to convert to rack and pinion just out of curiosity though how much would the rack and pinion conversion run me

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have no personal experience with this, so what I'm saying is hearsay and maybe no relevance, but all comments I've read or heard about converting an Avanti (or any Studebaker) to rack and pinion is that it's not worth the effort. It creates a lot of engineering and fit problems, very expensive, upsets the built-in geometry of the chassis and results in bad, possibly even dangerous bump-steer.

We're discussing what is at its core, a 1953 chassis that was pretty well-engineered for its period. While it can be improved some, a wholesale change with parts not designed for it that require significant engineering and fabrication talent for a car still over fifty years old that's essentially relegated to a collectible and occasionally driven, isn't an orange worth the squeeze.

To me...the numerous potential downsides aren't worth the trouble and expense. Having the original power steering system is straightforward and far less expensive.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic has been fairly beaten to death on the SDC forum with the conclusion that without a fair amount of knowledge and engineering a R&P system can create problems beyond the advantages expected.

Here's a recent update on a commercial product from the SDC Forum. http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?71496-Slick-Street-vs-OEM-Steering-Gear

I'm quite happy with the ride and handling of my 83 with a complete front end rebuild, KYB shocks and low profile tires on 8" rims. It's not a Corvette but a darn fine road car. My 74 will be similar but with Delrin bushings replacing the rubber.

Cost wise, anywhere from buying an early 90's GM Cavalier R&P assembly for $100 and installing it yourself to mid to high thousands if you deal with a high end suspension company. Not trying to be trite but how high is up. Need a bit more data on what direction you are trying to go from installing it yourself to taking it to Art Morrision.

On the other hand there do exist a number of Avanti's and Studebakers with an upgrade to R&P. Grobb on the forum has one I know of so it can be done. Jerry Forrester has done it on the SDC Forum. It's in how much does one know and want to spend.

Edited by Avanti83
Link to comment
Share on other sites

what yall are saying only confrims my decision to not upgrade figured id ask but wanted costs down to less then a thousand dollars so repair it is thank you all for the info im glad to have signe dup for this so i could get some feedback from other avanti owners

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The standard power steering system can normally be rebuilt for under $100 if you want to pull it apart and do it yourself. All the rebuild kits are available and normally it is only the seals and rubber bits that need replacing. I know as I am going through this process right now. Make sure all the other steering components are tight and you should have a decent driving car by the time you are done.

Mind you if the car was seriously neglected before you got it all bets are off. As stated above, most components (not all) can be replaced with early Ford parts so you should still be able to salvage it and get back on the road.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sounds like you have a family car and know the history. That is great. Getting the car drivable should only be a matter of seals, hoses, gasket kits and any other and sundry piece that can wear out, dry out or otherwise fail through nothing other than just age.

Go over it with a fine tooth comb and don't be in a rush. Having all your ducks in a row before re-assembly will save a lot of headaches.

Enjoy!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes it is a family car its been in my family sense the 70's used to be a daily driver until the first motocycles came into our lives but we still drive it most summers untill the PS went out last time it was out was in 2012 not show quality by any means but still drivable and thats all i want out of it lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would check all the lines also. You can buy new ones and most are not too hard to install.

Mine looked okay, and then one day a line failed, pumped fluid all over the exhaust manifold, which then caught on fire.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...