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fiftysix chevy
10-16-2020, 06:05 AM
After twelve years of using a 605 steering box, I plan on switching to a CPP 500 box, I have two questions.

Are the hose ends the same at the box between these two boxes? I understand that the 500 uses inverted flare fittings, but I don't remember what the 605 has.

From a labor standpoint and since I'm sitting on my couch thinking through this, can the boxes be removed / installed from underneath the car?

Thanks,
Jim

markm
10-16-2020, 08:26 AM
I used 67 Camaro PS hoses from NAPA on my 56 with a 500 box. As far as hoses on the 605 they are bisexual, they go both ways, inverted flair or Metric O ring.

fiftysix chevy
10-16-2020, 10:20 AM
Thanks Markm!
Are we allowed to say things like that here? :p

markm
10-16-2020, 12:36 PM
We don't have to contend with Otis and his crew here.

fiftysix chevy
10-16-2020, 06:25 PM
That's right, good point!

fiftysix chevy
03-28-2021, 03:55 PM
Well, finally got off the couch and swapped out the 605 with the 500. It was one of the most horrible jobs I've ever done. None of the issues were because of the CPP 500 box, it was just a tough upgrade. Had to work the header and the old box out together. Working the new 500 in with the header was tons of fun (by myself on my back). The angle of the mounted steering box would not align with the steering shaft (up and down angle). I had to elongate the three mounting holes in the frame to get that angle correct. The side to side alignment was easy with a couple of washers between the frame and the box. There was still a ton of other issues I had to deal with, but after all the crap, I got to drive it one whole mile and l'm very happy with the feel. Not sloppy at all, a little harder to turn the steering wheel, but I always thought it was a litte too easy with the 605. Bottom line, if you need to upgrade, do so. Just make sure you have a lift in your garage, a strong friend and a couple bottles of tequila and two hookers to assist you.

BamaNomad
03-28-2021, 07:36 PM
I suppose those of us who don't yet have a 500 steering box, could begin by working on acquiring the items on the bottom of your list! ;)

fiftysix chevy
03-29-2021, 04:32 AM
I suppose those of us who don't yet have a 500 steering box, could begin by working on acquiring the items on the bottom of your list! ;)

Yep, by far that would be the easiest part. To update my post on how hard the upgrade was, I am not saying anyone should not do the upgrade, it will be worth it. It was a lot lot work, but in the end well worth it.

markm
03-29-2021, 06:31 AM
I built my 55 with one, but converted my done 56 and anothers guys 57 and did not find it that bad of job. Did you have shims between oem box and frame, I did on 56 and 57. I think your issues were the headeraches.

BamaNomad
03-29-2021, 06:37 AM
Details on necessary mods in doing this update would be good for those of us who might consider the mod?

markm
03-29-2021, 09:21 AM
Details on necessary mods in doing this update would be good for those of us who might consider the mod?

A 500 is a direct bolt on for a 605 unless it is the oddball with the commie plot metric fittings, I believe headers are what complicated this install.

fiftysix chevy
03-29-2021, 02:01 PM
Yeah, the headers were a big problem. When I built the car is 2005-2008 I converted from original non-ps to the 605, which at that time seemed like the way to go. No shims were needed at that time. And the box was swapped out before the drivetrain was installed. The 605 didn't use "commie plot metric fittings." ;) Anyway my rant was just a way to dispose of some anguish and show that at times we all have crappy things to work through.
On the bright side, I pulled the power steering pump off at the same time and found that the pump was rubbing against the rear brake line mounted to the crossmember and it was worn VERY close to breaking through the tubing, so for all the pain of the conversion, the bright side is I may not kill the car because the brakes failed!!

fiftysix chevy
03-30-2021, 06:05 AM
Details on necessary mods in doing this update would be good for those of us who might consider the mod?

If you are upgrading from a stock (original) steering box to any current upgrades, the biggest issue would be having to modify the existing steering column/ shaft, or (easier) upgrade to a new column. The new boxes utilize a "rag joint" between the new box and the steering shaft. The original steering shaft is one piece from the steering wheel to inside the steering box. In a severe accident with the original steering box, and the front of the car is pushed back a foot or two, the one piece shaft is driven further in the interior of the car and can take your head off. Not that a system with a rag joint would eliminate that, but betters your odds.

The old cars we love, when subject to a bad accident do nothing to protect you, most of the impact energy is transferred to the folks in the car.

This video is a perfect example why so much time and money is put into making today's cars safer. It's a little slow starting, but pay attention to the video inside the car and the steering wheel. Study it closely and think of it every time you're driving favorite car. Be safe!

https://youtu.be/mJ5PcWziXT0