1949 Cadillac Adding Power Steering....need recommendations

[ctc72961]

Im restoring my 1949 Cadillac Club Coupe with stock engine and want to add power steering....has anyone attempted adding PS to the '49?
I was considering using the 1954 pump and steering box   any help would be appreciated

[jyinger]

Yes, I have done it three times.  All of the p/s parts from a '52 or '53 install fine on the 1949.  You mentioned '54?  That might work too, but I know '52 and '53 do.  I did it.

Jon Yinger

CLC 26643

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

There was a kit that a company whose name I cant recall now did. My friend used it on his 49 sedanet. It was a rack and pinion and power steering conversion. It did make the car drive really nicely.

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

One of the problems with retro-fitting a Rack and Pinion steering to a car with a "Normal" steering box is that the Rack never travels as far in regards to the tie rod end as the Pitman Arm, therefore the turning circle is lessened.

The fix is to shorten the steering arms on the front upright, allowing a "normal" turning circle.

Plus, a Pitman Arm traverses in an arc, whereas the Rack travels in a straight line, transversely, and this arc of movement actually interferes with the suspensions' Ackerman Angle that was designed into it from the factory.   No problem going straight ahead, but out on turns.

Bruce.

[ctc72961]

Thank you for the input and recommendations

Jon, when using the '52-'53 Cadillac PS parts I assume you also used the steering box and that adapted to the '49 Column or did you also use the '52-'53 column?

in my original post I suggested the '54 because as I recall this is the year that the restriction-fitting on the PS return was eliminated and they went to a standard low pressure return line.  I have had issue in the past on my '53 Cadillac PS trying to find the correct return line with the restrictor.

[Jay Friedman]

I have a '49 coupe which I find is not particularly difficult to steer even when parking.  (I should add that I'm a senior with only average strength.)

My '49 has original size 8.20 x 15 bias ply tires which are relatively narrow and I was wondering if owners who choose to install power steering have installed 235 or 225 x 15 radial tires which are wider with more tread on the pavement making it more difficult to steer at slow speeds. 

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I can totally understand wanting to install power steering as when I had my 1955 other brand of GM car, just below a Cadillac, starting with B, I found that I simply wore myself out trying to do three point turns, even with the large steering wheel.

Since I had my heart problems, and yes, they did find a heart, I have lost a lot of upper body strength, and turning the wheel, even for parking was really difficult, so the car had to go.

I could have converted it to Power Steering, but it was easier to downsize, and finding a future retirement complex with a 3 car garage, and a carport for the boat is impossible in my location.

Bruce.

[jaxops]

My Dad gave up his 49 Cadillac for the same reasons.  He couldn't drive it anymore (besides he no longer fit behind the wheel).  He sent the car down to me and keeps saying to convert it to power brakes and steering.  I for one am not going down that road as there are "bigger fish to fry" fixing the Swiss-cheese floors, rechroming, and new paint.
"Baby-steps, baby-steps!"