My Project 56Chevy1300

[56chevy1300]

Updated pics...finally had some time to get to paint (forgot to mask the floor). Not quite done with the cutouts for the airbags, but needed to get some paint on the bare metal.

Last 2 pics are of the steering box...I damaged one of the threaded holes...anyone know how I can get this repaired?

Thanks!

[nogaroa4]

If you don't mind me asking, what kind of paint did you use?

[56chevy1300]

I used Dupont Epoxy Primer/Sealer 2590S...check the first page of my thread, I took a pic of the label. This stuff is awesome for frames and chassis parts, it gives you a factory finish.

[watahyahknow]

next time dont bother masking the floor just trow a bucket of water out under the job at hand and nutting will fly up against the paint no more

[pgf545]

On that steering box the best bet is probably to get a new one. Because those boxes are cast iron they can be a little tough to straighten out without breaking. The toughest part will be removing the flares in order to chase the threads if you try and fix that one. The only other thing you might try is taking a tap and grinding a relief in the bottom that is tapered the opposite of the flare. Then gently try to pick up the threads and maybe the tap will follow. Hope this helps.

Bernie

[84 400]

wow really nice work! i liked the truck stock and i think it will look good your way too. your definatly doing it right!

[Jebb1978]

It is looking really good! I agree that a new steering box may be your best bet. If it is possible to save then I would though. Since it came on a Trans Am and not a Firebird it is likley a quick ratio one.

[watahyahknow]

if it where an aluminium one you could machine out the hole and press/weld in a bush with new tread ....its iron so welding is nearly impossible , the house itself is realy big and has lots of parts inside so pressing a frosen bush in a heated hole isnt going to work either without damaging the insides , epoxy a piece of pipe with fitting in could work if you can make a strong enough bond .
maibe reaming and tapping the little hole in the bottom and screw in an adapter to the piece you needed to screw in originally ..... if you put teflon tape on the tread it might work if you can tap enough tread in there

[MyakkaJeff]

Could it be possible to grind the first 2 or 3 threads off. It doesn't look like it's damaged deeper in. It may be worth a try. Excellent thread!!!

[CAL 58 GMC]

Hey 56chevy1300,
I just was looking over all of your thread and felt inclined to tell you what a awesome job you did on your Camaro sub-frame! Your truck is really coming along nicely. Keep up the great work!!

[56chevy1300]

Hi guys...thanks for the advice and for the kinds words...I have enjoyed sharing my progress with others who love these old trucks! Not what I wanted to hear about the steering box, and I do believe it is quick ratio. I guess I'll have to go shopping for a new one.

[Houston54]

I received my subframe video last week and was a bit disappointed in the lack of detail on the core support mounting. Having done a G body subframe before on a 54 I found out this was one area that could cause several headaches. When I asked No Limit about this they told me I was the first person in 20 years to complain. All I was asking for was more information.

Their video is helpful but it could be so much better.

I called them on their $15 shipping fee and they halved it which was still too much IMO for a video.

Good work on your sub frame. I will be starting on my for my 58 this summer once the 54 is on the road.

Thanks for sharing your project.

[Jebb1978]

If I have the one I took off of my Camaro subframe it's all yours for the taking. It is not a quick ratio but you can't beat the price....... If you are interested I will look for it and find out what it would cost you to ship it.

[56chevy1300]

Hi Houston54, I agree that the video does lack detail about the core support...what kind of headaches are you anticipating? So far, my installation has gone quite smooth, but I have not bolted everything back into place yet.

Originally Posted by Houston54

I received my subframe video last week and was a bit disappointed in the lack of detail on the core support mounting. Having done a G body subframe before on a 54 I found out this was one area that could cause several headaches. When I asked No Limit about this they told me I was the first person in 20 years to complain. All I was asking for was more information.

Their video is helpful but it could be so much better.

I called them on their $15 shipping fee and they halved it which was still too much IMO for a video.

Good work on your sub frame. I will be starting on my for my 58 this summer once the 54 is on the road.

Thanks for sharing your project.

[56chevy1300]

Hi Jebb...wow, thats very generous of you! I am going to do some homework to see if this one can be fixed or what one would cost at a local wrecker. If its more to buy one here that to have yours shipped, then I'll take it!

Originally Posted by Jebb1978

If I have the one I took off of my Camaro subframe it's all yours for the taking. It is not a quick ratio but you can't beat the price....... If you are interested I will look for it and find out what it would cost you to ship it.

[Houston54]

With the front sheet metal being indexed off the core support you could have alignment and fitment issues when you reinstall the front clip if those mounts are not dead on. On my 54 I had to fab a whole new crossmember and even using a jig off the old mounting holes I am having challenges getting everything fitting as it should.
The task force trucks lend themselved to sub frames much more so than the AD series trucks like my 54. I am hoping it is not an issue when I go to do mine.

[poncho_villa]

For your steering box issues try this web site. http://www.steeringsolutions.com/
There is a toll free # and talk to Randy. He might have a fix or a replacement. They are located in Surrey, B.C.

[56chevy1300]

I agree however I did test fit the core support and there is some play with the mounting position (left/right/forward/back); the only issue I can is if the support it too high...I guess time will tell!

QUOTE=Houston54;2062293]With the front sheet metal being indexed off the core support you could have alignment and fitment issues when you reinstall the front clip if those mounts are not dead on. On my 54 I had to fab a whole new crossmember and even using a jig off the old mounting holes I am having challenges getting everything fitting as it should.
The task force trucks lend themselved to sub frames much more so than the AD series trucks like my 54. I am hoping it is not an issue when I go to do mine.[/QUOTE]

[56chevy1300]

Thanks poncho villa, I have emailed Randy at Steering Solutions and am just waiting for a response.

Originally Posted by poncho_villa

For your steering box issues try this web site. http://www.steeringsolutions.com/
There is a toll free # and talk to Randy. He might have a fix or a replacement. They are located in Surrey, B.C.

[56chevy1300]

Wow, Randy was fast in getting back to me. Here's what he wrote:

"May be possible to take the dent out and tap. If tapping the input would have to come out anyways because of filings. say from 30.00 to more than it is worth to do. One of those thing that one does not know until they try to repair. Have fixed numerous gears with similar troubles and also failed on others. Worst case scenario is the housing goes in the scrap bin and you purchase a Reman. Not a big deal as that gear is ready to be redone anyways from the looks of her. Thirty years is pretty good life out of a gear. Base price on a Reman with existing configuration is 249.00 . Depending on what upgrades to the gear that you wish to include the price could go as high as 369.00.

Thanks Randy"

Okay where do I go from here?

[55dude]

the gm steering boxes are either a 800 series or 605. you have the common 800 series and 99% of those will fit your application. someone has one laying around for next to nothing. replacing it with a standard ratio box you won't notice the difference unless your going to road race your truck. remember that by puting the subframe in your truck you have altered the original steering dynamics of the box anyway,front to rear weight ratio,center of gravity.....

[poncho_villa]

Yeah, I agree with 55dude. How often do you weave through the chicanes of Edmonton at 70 miles an hour anyways. Put in an inexpensive, standard ratio box and keep an eye out for the quick ratio like the one thats damaged. At least they change out easily. Chances are you won't really notice a difference in normal driving. Oh yeah, I forgot....who wants to drive normal!

[56chevy1300]

55dude, do you know what years the 800 model series covers? I am not 100% sure what year of Trans Am my subframe came from...I think somewhere between 70 and 77. Thanks.

Originally Posted by 55dude

the gm steering boxes are either a 800 series or 605. you have the common 800 series and 99% of those will fit your application. someone has one laying around for next to nothing. replacing it with a standard ratio box you won't notice the difference unless your going to road race your truck. remember that by puting the subframe in your truck you have altered the original steering dynamics of the box anyway,front to rear weight ratio,center of gravity.....

[56chevy1300]

Does anyone know if these suspension parts that I bought from Classic Performance Parts can be install directly or do they need to be painted first? Thanks.

[56chevy1300]

Not much progress to report...I ran out of both oxygen and acetylene on my cutting torch and in between I had to clean out the garage...did find time to cut the driver's side air bag cut out.