CSixDude

How hard is it to convert a 59 to power steering and brakes?

JF in MI

I think the best answer starts with "what kind of power steering or brakes" as there are choices. There is replacing the whole steering box with power rack and pinion and probably even electric assist power brakes somewhere. I have electric PS hidden under the dash so judges at car shows can't see (kits are available). Power, even dual brakes might be an issue for me as the FI air cleaner (mine is a '60) can get in the way but have been thinking about a remote PB unit.

dmtparker

Start with the question, "Why?"
If you drive a lot in town with parking, etc. PS is, indeed, nice. I installed an EPAS unit and love it. If you drive mostly highway, don't bother.
For bakes, the factory set up is fine, even for racing. Before going PB, I would convert front to discs - not really any better stopping, I think, but better pedal feel - less effort.

Stev-o

My buddy has PS on his '61 'cause his wife likes to drive it and it makes it easier to park. It's an electric unit like this...

https://shiftsst.com/electric-power-...-corvette.html

Personally, I dont think PB are necessary as C1's mostly are just cruisers and good stock brakes are adequate [except resto mods, of course]

CSixDude

Well, I'm looking to make the car more driveable in all situations, as I intend to drive it until the wheels fall off. I'd like to upgrade the brakes and steering. I'd probably install disc brakes and power boost on the brakes, as well as some type of power steering. Just wondering how much work this is and what the best options are.

I wonder, does anyone make an aftermarket anti-lock brake set up that can be installed on vintage cars? I'd love to have ABS on it.

68hemi

Yes , I think a remote type would be the only answer as there certainly is NO room for the typical firewall mounted booster. Just adding the dual master cylinder on a C1 is challenging with the slope of the hood. Personally I would not bother with it or even disc brakes. C1 drum brakes are WAY oversized for the weight of the car and if in good working order and properly arched with the shoes to the drums they are more than adequate.
Here is a picture of my conversion to dual master cylinder brakes on my old 57.

John S 1961

I have ps. Excellent for today's type of roads and parking. I have discs and can't see a need for power brakes.

OLDED

What type PS do you have and how do you like it
I'm looking to do my 59 and a friends 62,
thanks.

Plasticman

If your steering box and linkage is in good shape, the EPAS (under the dash) power steering would make sense. If the box needs to be rebuilt, I would not bother and go directly to a R&P steering. But you probably would want to change the steering column, which for a 61 or 62, means that the VIN plate that is attached to the steering column will need to be "transferred" (which depending on your state, could mean potential legal issues)...

There are other things to be concerned with, like if you have headers, that means a more difficult path for the steering col. to the rack (most likely through the #1 header tube, inside the tube at the cyl. head, rather than around the outside of it). Also, most of the R&P kits use a Mustang version, that tends to be a little twitchy.

I have been researching this for a while now, and have yet to come up with the best answer (for me).
Good luck.

Plasticman

JF in MI

This is how I did mine. Once I put it in I never want to go back.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...onversion.html

Just added remote power brakes but, due to the weather, haven't driven it on the road to try it out yet.

dmtparker

I put the EPAS unit along with the Fast steering adapter in mine at the time of a complete rebuild of the front end. I like it - especially that you can turn it off (or way down) on the road and back up for parking.

John S 1961

PS is really nice. PB not necessary but discs are necessary.