May 2009

1955-57 Steering Column For Cars With 605, 670(500) Or Delphi(600) Power Steering

Article By Randy Irwin

The original 1955-57 steering box was a very compact and efficient box that had the steering shaft made into it. Unlike the 1958-newer GM steering systems, the 55-57 cars don’t actually have a steering column; they have a mast jacket. The steering shaft in the box fits into the mast jacket forming the steering column. When replacing the original steering box with an aftermarket power steering box, the area between the top of the box and the original mast jacket gets very tight. So tight that installation of the proper flex coupler (rag joint) becomes impossible unless the mast jacket is cut and shortened. In addition, the original steering shaft must be cut from the original steering box to be used with the new power steering box which ruined the original steering box. Fortunately Classic Performance Products (CPP) has developed a new mast jacket (steering column) kit that includes a reduced length mast jacket and automatic shift tube complete with steering shaft. The CPP column kits offered by Eckler’s Classic Chevy are unique in that ours include the proper flex coupler (rag joint) for your steering application so you don’t have to go searching for extra parts to complete the job. In addition, we are the only supplier offering the column for use with the Borgeson/Mullins Delphi box. The new steering column will bolt into place with absolutely no cutting or welding.      

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