Steering box and gauges

[Ken M.]

Gentlemen:

My recently purchased '66 427 convertible is all over the place! Should I replace the steering box? Only the gas gauge works; I found a gentlemen who can restore the gauges - do I simply pull the gauge cluster and ship? Recommendations for both? Could you possibly respond to Ken.Mackel@dot.gov


Many thanks.

Ken
38280

[John H.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Gentlemen:

My recently purchased '66 427 convertible is all over the place! Should I replace the steering box? Only the gas gauge works; I found a gentlemen who can restore the gauges - do I simply pull the gauge cluster and ship? Recommendations for both? Could you possibly respond to Ken.Mackel@dot.gov


Many thanks.

Ken
38280

Ken -

Lots of things can contribute to it being "all over the place" going down the road:

Tires (radial or bias-ply?)

Alignment (front and rear)

Condition of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, trailing arm and strut rod bushings, wheel bearings, etc.

Deteriorated rag joint (play in the "rag")

Steering gear condition/play/adjustment/lubrication.

Before you start throwing money at it, check out these items and deal with any that aren't up to snuff.

[Paul J.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Ken,

You can pull the gauge cluster and ship it if you wish, or remove the gauges from the cluster and ship them individually. Whatever you and you're wallet wish. There is a lot of discussion on this in the archives, including recommendations for many good restorers. There is also some guidance for resorting the cluster (not the gauges) yourself.

Paul

[Mike R.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Wear in the steering box shows up as a vague feel and lots of play. You since this car is new to you, begin by checking for looseness and wear in:

Upper and Lower control arm bushings
Upper and Lower ball joints
tie rod ends
idler arm
wheel bearing adjustment

These parts all have to be free of play

Another thing to keep in mind is that bias ply tires tend to wander "all over the road". Not everything about the "Good ole Days" was good

Gentlemen:

My recently purchased '66 427 convertible is all over the place! Should I replace the steering box? Only the gas gauge works; I found a gentlemen who can restore the gauges - do I simply pull the gauge cluster and ship? Recommendations for both? Could you possibly respond to Ken.Mackel@dot.gov


Many thanks.

Ken
38280

[Ken M.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Gentlemen:

Thank you one and all. I now have an informed basis upon which to spend money!

Ken

[Gary R.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Ken
Take a look at the lash screw in the box cover, it will be a fairly decent indicator of the box condition. If there is 1 thread or less above the nut that's not a good sign and usually it means the gears are done. If there are several threads that is better but you then have to see where the lash is set at. If you want to PM me I'll get you more info on checking the box and rag.

[Philip A.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Ken
You state "do I simply pull the gauge cluster ". For what it is worth, "simple" is a relative word. I pulled mine, it is labor intensive and a bit difficult (not easy) given the space and all the connections. I would not characterize pulling the cluster as simple...and then you have to do the reverse putting everything back where it belongs. I strongly recommend you research what is involved . This is not to discourgae you as I am all for DIY and this forum supports it. Just want to make sure your car remains a labor of love.
Phil

[Paul J.]

Re: Steering box and gauges

Ken, removing a gauge cluster is not rocket science. It's one of the simplest things you can do on a C2. Yes, it can be frustrating, but no more so than removing the radio by itself, or the heater core, or most other minor repairs. It's straightforward, and like anything else on a Corvette, it sometimes requires a lot of patience. The archives are full of information on removing and restoring clusters, but here's two articles that John Hinkley posted recently.

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/gauges%20&%20instruments/C2_Dash_Cluster%20pt1.pdf

http://www.lbfun.com/warehouse/tech_info/gauges%20&%20instruments/C2_Dash_Cluster%20pt2.pdf

Jump in with both feet and if you run into problems, post them here and we'll help.

Paul