60Patrol

Timoun wrote:Great pictures. That looks like a nice power steering installation. I've never cared much for power steering, though. Doesn't fit my philosophy of what isn't there can't go wrong. Except for a few parallel-parking situations when somebody boxed me in, I've never wished my Patrol required any less steering effort. I just want a bigger wheel as personal preference... still building my "perfect" vehicle. ...

I'm with you regarding the power steering (that's why I posted my brother's) I just thought that with the possible extra weight at the front end, the effort on the steering wheel is big. Years ago I used to have another Patrol that was the daily driver for my wife, and two of my daughters learned to drive in that one. Never needed a power steering.

Will be interesting to see what wheel you find. Don't forget the pictures.

Will do, and thanks again!

If you have the older style steering wheel with the banjo spokes, then you have the same spline count as all the Datsuns. I test fitted a 240Z and Datsun pickup steering wheel on my old steering column and they fit fine. So any aftermarket Datsun wheel should work. The plastic steering wheel on the 69's have a different spline count.

rawml wrote:If you have the older style steering wheel with the banjo spokes, then you have the same spline count as all the Datsuns. I test fitted a 240Z and Datsun pickup steering wheel on my old steering column and they fit fine. So any aftermarket Datsun wheel should work. The plastic steering wheel on the 69's have a different spline count.

Good info, thanks.

rawml wrote:If you have the older style steering wheel with the banjo spokes, then you have the same spline count as all the Datsuns. I test fitted a 240Z and Datsun pickup steering wheel on my old steering column and they fit fine. So any aftermarket Datsun wheel should work. The plastic steering wheel on the 69's have a different spline count.

Thanks for the tip!

I rebuilt this exact style Corvette power steering system on my black 69 Corvette back in the early 2000's

This style of double valve power steering was actually used on all 1963-1982 Corvettes.

Here are some links to a couple Corvette companies where you could order all new (or rebuilt) Corvette steering components to make this mod:

http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/steering.html

http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette/ca ... ring-parts

I might do this on my red Patrol, and if/when I do, I will capture all the part numbers, etc that I use...

Thank you for the information, though I don't want power steering just a larger wheel. When finances permit, I may try an early model Jeep wheel. They're 17". But thanks again for taking the time to reply.

FINALLY replaced the steering wheel on my '65 L60. I took a shot in the dark and ordered a reproduction wheel for a WWII jeep from an internet source, not knowing if it would even come close to fitting, but only because it was 17" and I liked the looks. Turned out the jeep wheel was slightly larger in its mounting splines so I made a bushing from 1/2" pipe. Lots of work to file inside and outside splines by hand on the bushing, but the collar of the jeep wheel fits the Patrol column perfectly. I'm very happy with the new wheel. Amazing what a difference only 1" makes! The Patrol steers MUCH better in all situations from on the road to parking. To me, at least, 17" is what the Patrol should have had all along, not 16". Had to relocate the horn control to a button on the dashboard.

Timoun wrote:. Lots of work to file inside and outside splines by hand on the bushing

Wow now that's commitment! Well done mate, glad to hear it all worked out for you.

L60 and S30 spline is similar. Will update as it progresses. Thanks Leslie.