Re: 1956 Clipper Radio

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/3/9 2:04:37

Hello Don

I have just learned that there were two optional power steering systems fitted to these cars. I can see them in the Owner's Manual and Steering/Suspension section of the shop manual. Just to complicate things, mine has Torsion Level suspension which means a few differences in the front suspension department. I can't see how any belt driven hydraulic PAS or electric conversion could fit in the space available in a rhd car. This tends to explain why right hand drive cars were not available with power steering!

After speaking with some EPAS vendors, I'm becoming sceptical about the electric PAS kits which fit inside the car and act on the steering column. I'm not sure they are really up to the job, and they cost a lot more than at first apparent because of the fiddles required to fit them.

Starting to wonder if my manual steering is heavier than it should be. Wondering how much lubrication (if any) it has received over the past 10-20 years. I don't understand how anybody of normal size could have managed this car at parking speeds, so maybe something is not quite right.

Will put it up on a hoist in the next couple of days and give it some good shots with a grease gun around the front end. Will also check the oil in the steering box.

Does anybody else have experience with manual steering in these cars?

Cheers

Brian