It's my understanding that power steering was first available in Studes in 1953. It's also my understanding that that offereing was for the mechanical unit only and I assume for V/8 cars only (without knowing). Can someone shed some light on when the hydraulic units became available. Not knowing I'd guess '55 as A/C, P/W & P/Seats were first offered that year. Thanks a lot, Dan
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Originally posted by CarCrosswordDan View PostIt's my understanding that power steering was first available in Studes in 1953.<<< Dan
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For what it is worth, power steering parts listings in the 51-54 Chassis Parts Manual start with 14G and 4H models, so 1953 models.Frank van Doorn
Omaha, Ne.
1962 GT Hawk 289 4 speed
1941 Champion streetrod, R-2 Powered, GM 200-4R trans.
1952 V-8 232 Commander State "Starliner" hardtop OD
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The mechanical units came very close to entering production. So close that repair information went into the 1953 manual. Studebaker had to publish a supplemental manual for the Saginaw. Many car magazines of the era had articles about Studebaker's new mechanical power steering, so it would seem logical that some of these units must have been installed on sold vehicles. In fact, they probably were NOT. We used to hear estimates from 150 down to about three. Some of these may have been installed on production vehicles that were retro-fitted with the Saginaw before the car left the factory.Restorations by Skip Towne
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I believe that some mechanical power steering units were installed in some 1953 models. It is my understanding that they were all recalled and removed. I have seen in print; "Less than 100 units were sold...".
The hydraulic power steering units were introduced in the mid-1953 model year.Gary L.
Wappinger, NY
SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer
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