Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1968 Chevelle 4 Door - Power Steering, piston heads, subtle humor

Question
Hi again.

Your subtle humor is awesome! Thanks so much for your repsonse (I have rated you, so now worries).

May I ask another question?

The 68 Chevelle does not have power steering. I've owned a '57 Chevy that didn't have power steering and it was quite a handful to steer. I'm hoping the Chevelle will be a bit easier.

Ok..sorry for rambling.

My question is: is it possible to add power steering to this car?
Maybe get a compressor from a donor car? I know it won't be all stock original anymore, but it would be easier to drive (lol).

Thanks,
Mark



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Followup To
Question -
Hi, Mr. Benjamin.

The last time the car was run was on or about March 6, 2005.
The owner says the car started right up, but you could smell that the gas was old. As an FYI, the gas tank was replaced 2 years ago.

Also: I've heard that the piston heads need to be "hardened" for the unleaded gas? Is this true? Will I harm the 307 if I use today's gas?

Thanks so much!
Mark

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Followup To
Question -
Hi, Mr. Benjamin.
I am in the process of purchasing a 1968 Chevelle 4-Door (V8 - 307) with 33K original miles.
The car does have old gas in it, and I've been told I can run the car to burn the gas off, but I've also heard that it could gum up the works of the fuel system.
Do you have an suggestions once I get the car?
Thanks,
Mark
Answer -
I need to know how long the gas has been sitting in the tank, and how long since the car was driven, to really help you.

Please post a follow up question and I'll get back to you with my advice.

Dick
Answer -
OK, that makes things very much clearer.  First, since the car was run that recently, there is no danger of adding to any damage by running it.  When a car has sat for more than 5 years, I advise not starting it until the oil pan is cleaned out, due to the likelyhood of circulating grit through the engine, but in this case, there is no reason to think about this - if there was any such danger, it has already been done anyway!

As for the gas tank, since it was renewed 2 years ago, we know the gas is at least that new - so I don't think you need to do anything other than drive the car.  Yes, the exhaust might smell odd for the first few tankfuls, but just keep on truckin', the old gas will get diluted with the new gas and the problem will just fade away.  It is possible that you might have to change the fuel filter after a few tankfuls of gas, but that is the only likely problem you'll have.   The symptom of a clogged fuel filter is a lack of power on a long uphill pull, or at very high speeds on the freeway.  If you don't notice that, don't worry about it.

As for the unleaded gas scare, that is essentially an old wive's tale - told to unsuspecting people to entice them to spend an extra few hundred dollars having special valve seats (not "piston tops") installed to prevent valve recession in pre -1970s engine.  It is was just that - a money making scheme to sell more machine work and fuel additives.  Don't even think about it!

There was a tiny bit of data showing that if a pre-unleaded type engine was used to pull a 5000 pound motor home across the Mojave desert at 90 MPH in 120 degree heat for more than 10,000 miles at a time, there is a potential for valve recession.  The result of this would be that the engine would begin to lose power a few thousand miles sooner as it wears than it would  have on leaded gas.  In other words, for normal collector car use, it is totally useless to even think about it!

Just enjoy your car.  What it needs now is driving, driving, and more driving.  Put it in daily service at least until the old gas is all used up.  Fill it with fresh gas at first, then keep topping it up every hundred miles or so, you'll find it runs better and better, and there will be no problem.  If you want to be super cautions, pick up a bottle of "fuel injector cleaner" and dump it into the tank with the first fill-up.

Dick.

Answer
Sure, you can do that.  The easy way is to find another car in a junk yard that has it and just switch parts. Power steering was on a high percentage of these cars by 1968, so almost any one you find will have it.

There are two main things that have to change - the steering gear box is different, and of course the power steering pump has to be added.  This requires adding a pulley to the front of the crankshaft also, plus plumbing in all the hoses etc.  If you are not an experienced wrench turner, you might need some help with all this.

I don't know why your 57 was such a chore to steer, they weren't that way when they were new, I assure you.  If the 68 has the original type tires (not radials!) and the suspension is well lubricated and all in good shape, it should not be a big problem to steer, although it will certainly not be as easy as a power steering car.  If you put radial tires on it, which are becoming almost universal, it is going to be hard to steer.  

You can get the correct original type (bias ply) tires from Coker Tire or other antique car tire suppliers - these are what the car was designed for, look better and ride better, in my opinion, at least for around town use.  If you are looking for maximum high speed safety and handling, then you do need radials, but be prepared to pay the price in harder steering, an inauthentic ride height and rougher low speed ride.

Dick

(Thanks for the kind words!)