Just joined? Please introduce yourself.
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: hydroboost and Power Steering Conversion 1955 Chevy install

Threaded View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Registered Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017

    Member #:3477
    Posts
    370

    hydroboost and Power Steering Conversion 1955 Chevy install

    ok-

    This is based on research around the web for two months, including posts from ChevyNut and Rick L. Please do not hesitate to add to this post or correct me if I seem to be headed down a wrong path. I will summarize each post at end with cost and part number to help anyone who is going to try and attempt this.

    So I am starting a thread on a Hydroboost conversion in the 55 wagon with zero offset disc brakes, with a CPP 500 steering box and a shortened steering column. I will post plenty of pics and include part numbers so that anyone reading this thread and wishing to duplicate the install will know what the part is and where to get it.

    I think this thread will have three pieces; Hydro boost install, followed by the CPP box, then the shortened column, wrapping up with the disc brake install. Normally I would deal with a complete system first, but the car is sitting on the lift and isnt in the way. I think the sequence install is basically correct to make it easier to access things.

    Currently the 55 Wagon has drum brakes with an after market booster, a 67 Chevelle drum/drum MC and a Wilwood combination/proportioning valve. It has stock power steering.

    Here is a picture of the booster and the spacer at firewall. The spacer is going along with the booster

    Attachment 10332

    Part I - Hydroboost

    Most recommendations from 55 Chevy people making this mod is 1995 Chevy Astro. The problem is that they are picked over in the bone yards and seem to be a premium online. I was looking used. You can buy remanufactured but they usually want a core so the cost gets high. If you go to a specialist expect to pay about $475. The Astro part usually is about $150. Then there are all of the others that fall in between. My read on this is that the casting is the same though I am not expert.

    I can say:

    Astro=Pontiac safari=Chevy pickup=Chevy Van. (I believe these are all interchangeable though weight might vary though I cant see why)

    First recommendation is stay Chevy. I believe there are differences with the Fords. I chose a 90 Chevy Truck.

    Note that the accumulator coloring is different. I believe gold is disc/drum, and blue disc/disc. Plain aluminum I think is early and would also be disc/drum.

    Additonally, the hydroboost can be rotated 180 degrees.

    Here is the specimen I am working with:

    90s chevy truck/van

    Attachment 10333

    Pay attention to the mounting plate. It wont work with the 55 Chevy firewall. So it needs to be replaced. Chevynut makes the plate that fits and its reversable to allow you to flip the booster so the accumulator is on fender side rather than valve cover.

    Here is CN's plate:

    Attachment 10334

    So to pull the mounting plate, there is a snap ring and a 1 7/8th retaining nut. The nut is serated on the back side and is torqued at 110 ft pounts. To remove the plate you can use the proper Kent-Moore J29192 socket, try and use a crow-foot, buy the socket that a guy sells on Ebay for $65 or make your own. The Kent Moore socket is pricey but I found one for $75. Making your own is a PIA in my opinion. Buy the socket.

    Here is the stuff you need:

    Attachment 10335

    And the Kent-Moore Socket which is offset to clear the actuator rod.

    Attachment 10336

    See it attached here:

    Attachment 10337

    Here is the serrated nut removed:

    Attachment 10338

    Here is the hydroboost with plate removed and CN's plate installed resting on old plate:

    Attachment 10339

    This is all in mock up phase. Everything will be painted shortly.

    The hydro will have new fitings installed to take -6an fittings. I dont have sizes yet except for the return. So I will get to that later.

    You will need to cut the actuator rod and thread it at 3/8th fine thread. The rod is stepped, so you will cut on the big end. It comes in at slightly under 3/8ths diameter which makes it thread exactly how you will want. There is a rod adapter that we will get to shortly and that will screw on the rod and run to your pedal bracket.

    Here is a measurement of the rod and you can see how it is stepped:

    Attachment 10340

    My next post we will measure and cut the rod, cut the threads, look at the adapter rod, and adapt to pedal.

    Summary:

    You need a Hydro-boost unit- Dont be scared, the world is broader than 95 astrovan-Cost $95 +/- (about a midpoint on Ebay)
    You should choose a booster with a gold accumulator if you are running/disc drum
    You need snap ring pliers and the Kent-Moore socket or Ebay repop - Cost $65-$150
    You need CN's Plate - Cost $39.95 shipped (but be sure to check with him)

    All for now.
    Last edited by scorpion1110; 12-01-2019 at 04:19 PM. Reason: updated

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •