'54-'56 power steering question.....

[evintho]

I'll try to answer your questions the best I can. It's funny because I was intrigued by an article that covered EPS installation into an older car and bought my '54 just because I wanted to try the swap for myself.

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Why in the world would someone want a SATURN electric steering system in an early FORD? I could maybe understand RESTO-MOD (and that would be MUST II rack retrofit).

Economics. I'm just cheap! The junkyard system can be had for under $200. Aftermarket is $1500+.

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

Has anyone thought of what happens when an ELECTRIC ASSIST PS SYSTEM FAILS OR LOSES POWER?

If the electric system fails, it just reverts to manual steering. Kinda like if you lost a power steering belt on a hydraulic system.

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

And how much AMPERAGE does it take to operate a system properly? Think that 30A 6V GEN is going to do it?

That's a good question! 6v may not do it however, the Saturn EPS is 12v and should probably only be used on a car with 12v conversion. My car has been converted to 12v.

Originally Posted by KULTULZ

At least with the BENDIX LINKAGE SYSTEM, you still have manual steering if there is a system failure.

See my second point.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by evintho

I'll try to answer your questions the best I can. It's funny because I was intrigued by an article that covered EPS installation into an older car and bought my '54 just because I wanted to try the swap for myself.

I appreciate your explanation.

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by evintho

If the electric system fails, it just reverts to manual steering. Kinda like if you lost a power steering belt on a hydraulic system.

Maybe so and maybe not. The elect rack on a late ESCAPE will freeze upon failure (very high steering effort - many crashes reported).

I understand the SATURN system is different in design. But a failure concerns me, especially if a woman experiences it.

While still using the 1957 OEM STR BOX, you will go back to STD STR with a hydraulic failure but you are now entering a second box of sorts that may increase the difficulty with steering effort.

That's a good question! 6v may not do it however, the Saturn EPS is 12v and should probably only be used on a car with 12v conversion. My car has been converted to 12v.

Might be a good idea to find the AMP draw from the unit. The ESCAPE rack can demand up to 65A. Takes a big ALT to do that and power the car.

Sorry, I just don't understand why.