Changing steering, 3rd gen

I would like to talk to someone who has put a rack/pinion and power disc brakes on a 3rd gen Nova. PM me if you can help.

I am on a budget (retired) but am definitely wanting to put in a quality system.

My 68 has a manual steering and non-power drum brakes.

My son and I want to do this upgrade during the winter months.

Lou in Arkansas
Older than dirt

I'm building a 68 Pro Touring car, but I'm not restricted by a budget so I'm going with a Wilwood complete car kit, I have Speed Tech subframe with a Unisteer rack and pinion kit. Unfortunately I'm not even close to driving it yet as it's bolted to a rotisserie, but if you want to see some of the pics of the parts, go to my build thread, link in my signature.

If you want to spend a little bit more for a Wilwood kit, go to www.gpsuperstore.com. Frank has a complete car kit (even includes the brake fluid) with 12.2" rotors all around, 4 piston calipers for all corners. You can upgrade from there. I got most of the upgrades so it cost me a little over $2500 so that may be out of budget for your build. Here's a link if interested: http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37434

A lot of guys on here have used CPP brake kits as you can get a complete kit for a decent price. I've heard some bad things, but most guys on here have nothing but good to say so I don't think you could go wrong. Here's a link: http://www.classicperform.com/nova.htm

The other thing you can do is search here for guys that are finding stock kits out of the wrecker yard. They're doing trial and error and finding stock kits that will fit. Also, constantly check the classifieds for guys getting rid of kits. I picked up my Unisteer r & p kit for $600 and saved a good chunk as it had the steering shaft and pump included.

Here's a link to the Unisteer kit: http://www.unisteer.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=UNISTEER&Category_Code=CHEVROLET+CAM%2FNOV

Steeroids also has a r & p kit: http://www.steeroids.com/index.html

Flaming River has one for a 67-69 Camaro, but gets expensive: http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=332/category_id=188/home_id=63/mode=prod/prd332.htm



Two other sites you can go and check are www.lateral-g.net and www.pro-touring.com. Both sites are predominately pro-touring style builds, but there are a lot of 67-69 camaros which would be the same suspension as your 68. Most of the suspension parts/brakes/steering will be the same. The direction you choose to go will depend on what your budget actually is. There's so many different ways to go. Good luck with the build, it's nice to see another 68 on here.

The other option you have with the steering, is to get a good steering box. Some guys who have switched to a rack and pinion haven't been overly happy. A lot of guys will swear that a good steering box is all you'll need to do. Here's a link to steering box info: http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46672&highlight=steering+box

can you get access to drive someones rack and pinion?
find out if this is what you want.

regarding the brakes- ive read so much on this site it gave me a headache!
still couldnt decide the best way- junkyard or power brake kit.
there are many excellent posts on this site.
sounds like you would like a kit- the benefit is- its all there.
price seems to range from ~$350- $700 for REASONABLE kits.
i bought a used set up off a 71 monte carlo-seems like a little bit of work going to be required to get it to work.

good luck
steve

The cheapest way to do the brakes is use a 69 power set up(most common).You can have your spindles cut, to accept the backing plate and caliper bracket and the rest of the parts are available at NAPA.I'm converting my manual drum to manual disc using a 68 style master that cost $39, the booster is about $170,calipers and hardware,$50,and flex hoses $25, lastly new rotors, I haven't bought them in a while, so I'm not sure on the price.A donor car is probably the cheapest way to go.There is a set up in the classified now from a 73 that may be worth looking into.