Steering: power steering for a 1956 Commander Parkview wagon

[jackolcott]

Looking to buy a complete setup that will fit.....or some info on what is interchangible on my 56 Commander.

[jackolcott]

Also will 215-70-14 tires on 14x6 wheels fit without fender clearance issues

[RadioRoy]

Mine has 215-75-15 tires on it with no issues, so the smaller ones should fit.

I put power steering on mine from a 55 President cruising sedan. If your Parkview is an automatic, that will make the power steering conversion easier. My 56 Parkview has overdrive, so that complicated the parts search.

In general terms, 53-56 power steering is the same, but differs from sedan to C/K. The differences are in the cloumn length and the bracket that mounts the steering box to the frame, as well as the drag link.

57 is still the same, but the steering column and steering wheel is different.

I wrote up a spreadsheet that shows power steering differences and differences from stick to auto. If you want a copy, and don't mind doing some reading, PM me.

It seems like 98% of the early power steering equipped cars had automatic transmissions.

[jackolcott]

Thanks Roy. I would love to have the spreadsheet.My car is an automatic so it's good news that the retro-fit is a bit easier.
Whats the deal with your AM-FM conversions? I may want one

[jackolcott]

Roy
My address is 210 dorchester drive, sellersville,pa.18960

[brngarage]

Hi Roy. I'm getting ready to convert a '53 Commander K from manual to power steering. Can you please either PM or email me (brngarage@gmail.com) the spreadsheet.
Thanks

[RadioRoy]

Roy
My address is 210 dorchester drive, sellersville,pa.18960

Jack, do you have an email adrress? I can attach the file to an email.

RR

[jackolcott]

jackolcott@verizon.net

[RadioRoy]

Sent spreadsheets to both.

Regards

[StudeDave57]

Also will 215-70-14 tires on 14x6 wheels fit without fender clearance issues

'Baby' never seemed to mind the 215-70/15s she's got underneth her...




Except when they were mounted on six inch rims, that is...
(the issues were in the rear- but I suspect it has to do with prior damage/repairs...)





StudeDave '57

[jackolcott]

thanks for the wheel/tire info. Did you mount them on stock 15x5 wheels or something else?

[jackolcott]

Dave.....changed directions as the Cragar 14's I was going to buy (brand new in the boxes) had a 4.75 bolt circle so now I am going with 15 inch wheels. I would like to use 15x5 in front and 15x6 or 7 in the rear with 215-75 all the way around.