Over the past year I've posted several threads in the Forum concerning the steering instability of my '66 Caliente whenever I exceeded 50 mph. Crosswinds or even passing vehicles would send the front end swinging wildly--a totally dangerous situation.
I initially brought the car in for an alignment. That didn't cure it, but the shop suggested it might be due to an over-tightening of the steering box adjustment. For liability purposes, the shop wouldn't adjust it so I tried loosening up myself, but to no avail.
Responses to my predicament on the Forum suggested possibly going to a rack & pinion or even an electric steering set up. Unfortunately, those were very expensive options. None of the after market car catalogs offered anything for the '66-67 models, (isn't that always the case?)
Finally, after an exhaustive internet search, I found a business that specializes in the rebuilding of steering boxes, StangersSite, http://www.stangerssite.com/GBrebuilding.html , in San Antonio, TX. After a couple of phone calls I removed the steering box and sent it via a Priority U.S. postal box. After about 6 weeks, it was returned, painted in like-new condition. The cost was under $200 and well worth it.
Had a mechanic re-install it this weekend and now the car drives like it came right out of the factory!
Just wanted everyone to know about this resource.
Steering Problem Solved!
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- Posts: 493
- Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:39 am
Steering Problem Solved!
My wife says I only have 2 faults. I don't listen...and something else
Re: Steering Problem Solved!
Glad to hear that man & also good to hear it was returned in a fairly reasonable amount of time. Maybe Stanger is getting back on the straight & narrow. There for a while I would have cautioned anyone against sending him a box, lest you NEVER see it again or physically need to go retrieve it (from personal experience). Folks have seemed to have good luck ordering parts, just not turn-around on boxes. A good alternative is Chockostang (Dan)...he typically turns 'em around same week.
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- Posts: 493
- Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:39 am
Re: Steering Problem Solved!
Wish I had heard from you, Rocket, before I sent out my steering box to Strangar's. A month after sending the unit out and not hearing anything about its status, I started calling the owner, (it sounds as if there's only one person at this company), a couple of times a week. Evidently, that was enough to motivate him to work on my unit. I may not have done business with him had I heard of negative reviews of his business. On the other hand, I had no further options with my steering unit.
At any rate, at least the unit was returned in good working order and I'm happy with the results.
At any rate, at least the unit was returned in good working order and I'm happy with the results.
My wife says I only have 2 faults. I don't listen...and something else
Re: Steering Problem Solved!
Right-on MP...no question about the quality of the work, just the time & communication. Some folks had waited > year! I'd hope that's all improved but no way I'll ever know!