1963 ford thunderbird power steering pump hose

#1963 ford thunderbird power steering pump hose update#

Fixed the driver’s side power window, which was sticking – a few bolts were loose on a bracket.Cleaned passenger fenderwell by removing the wheelhouse shield.Here is a summarized list of what I accomplished in 2020, aside from the steering: At the same time I was dealing with all this, I replaced the oil soaked steering box rubber mounts with solid spacers, which are available from Lincoln suppliers, and I rebuilt the rag joint. Until someone builds a new steering gear (unlikely) or I can figure out a way to adapt a different box (expensive and frustrating, with little benefit), it’ll have to do. The second rebuild is much better, but still a little touchy at higher speeds it’s acceptable, but the car certainly steered more precisely when new. I double checked my conclusions with an experienced alignment shop owner, who confirmed that something was amiss in the steering box the first time. Removing and installing one builds character and grows chest hair. This is also a good time to mention that the steering box on these T-Birds is almost invisible in the engine compartment, and weighs about 40 pounds. The first rebuild almost put me into a ditch, a guard rail, and a giant rage. My research and discussions with experienced Continental owners exposed the shortcomings of these units as they age in essence, the steering becomes twitchy and darty, a problem that bench testing does not expose. Winter 2020 brought about the steering box debacle – T-Birds and Continentals shared a steering box that Ford used between 19.

#1963 ford thunderbird power steering pump hose update#

This is a quick update of T-Bird time for 2020. He also claims that I buy an old car every two years, which is not statistically accurate, but not wildly exaggerated either. My dad always comments that it takes me about two years of maintenance and tinkering before I reach that point, and he’s basically correct. If I feel the pangs of highway withdrawal, I can be assured that the T-Bird will most likely start, run, and get me where I’m going. It’s been over two years since I bought my 1963 Thunderbird, and although an old car owner’s work is never done, I’ve finally reached the point in my ownership tenure where I would call it a “turn key” vehicle.