I'm going to be doing some modifications to the Steering System in my '56 Hawk. I will be installing an EPAS (Electrically Power Assisted System), and shortening the front steering bell crank to shorten the number of turns lock-to-lock. I'd like to install a set of quick steering arms (Avanti) to further shorten steering time (Studebaker International part #800335). Any feedback on the operation of the short steering arms? I'd like to reduce steering effort, and turns lock-to-lock as much as possible, but I DON'T want to screw up the steering system or do anything dangerous. Has anyone else done something like this? It' just getting more and more difficult to drive a Manually Steered car. Any advice is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks...in advance...
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No advice, but please post a photo or 2 when finished...sounds like a cool set up. -
Are you still using the original Ross TA/TL type box?Comment
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Be careful with the quick steering arms. They're intended for the Avantis with the forklift steering box to return the handling back to pre-forklift standards. Putting them on a car with the standard steering box is certainly doable but makes the car more "darty" in its steering...the difference in steering turns is minor for the suddenness of the steering that it gives. If you replace the steering wheel with one of smaller diameter the "dartiness" is even more pronounced.Poet...Mystic...Soldier of Fortune. As always...self-absorbed, adversarial, cocky and in general a malcontent.Comment
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What Gunslinger said times 2...... You DON'T want these installed ..........and sneeze while doing 70...Originally posted by Gunslinger View Post64 GT Hawk (K7)
1970 Avanti (R3)Comment
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installed a set on a '61 hawk, pwr steering car. Fresh tight front end including steering gear rebuild. Car drives much nicer then stock. No dartiness noted. Trust me I know what "dartiness" means. I had a 94 9C1 Caprice, lowered with coil spring change. That car was a blast to drive, poor mans corvett comes to mind. However with big wide tires and the lowered stance it was a handful in the dartiness compartment.
Originally posted by 345 DeSoto View Post
Russ Shop Foreman \"Rusty Nut Garage\"
53 2R6 289 5SpdOD (driver)
57 SH (project)
60 Lark VIII 2dr sd (driver)Comment
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To quicken the steering on Buttercup, I first thought I would take 2" out of the bell crank arm that the drag link attaches to. I decided to take only 1" to start with and am glad I did. Dropped it from over 5 turns lock to lock to a tad over 3.Originally posted by 345 DeSoto View Post
Don't try the quick arms until after the car is finished. You can always add them later if you see the need.Jerry Forrester
Forrester's Chrome
Douglasville, Georgia
See all of Buttercup's pictures at https://imgur.com/a/tBjGzTk
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I also installed a set of quick steering arms on my 61 Hawk with all the "fresh" parts that Rusty Nut put on, including a fresh steering box. At first I had some " dartiness" but after some fine tuning of the suspension the car steers great. Very tight and quick, although you do have to be aware of where you are on the road.Don Watson
61 HawkComment
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I've used the shortened arms on several Avantis and like them. They do exactly as physics say they will.
As for shortening a center-pivot arm you might contact the Prestons at Camelot Motors/Excalibur and see if there is any chance they might still have an arm from/for a Series1 X since the Stevens used a shortened center-arm to the same effect. Of course, they mounted the bell-crank upside-down but I don't think that would matter, as I recall without looking. It's a long-shot they'd still have one, at best, but...
p.s.: I don't know what ratio the box is that was used on my X but ironically it gives the same 2.5 turns lock-to-lock as the short steering-arms give on my '63 Avanti with the p/s ("quick" manual) box.Comment
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The bell crank is easily shortened. I shortened this one along with shortened arms and a 3turns lock to lock recirc ball PS box.
Allan Tyler Melbourne Australia
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Think your pic is flipped the wrong way
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It could be right hand drive.Originally posted by lumpy View PostThink your pic is flipped the wrong wayComment
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