71 Torino project

[Motown 454]

Looking good! That designer part of your job sure comes in handy for a project like this.

[chunger]

The rack setup is of my own design the rack itself is from a mid 90s Chevy Beretta it is used in a few other gm cars of the time. The main reason I used this rack is because it moves in the center not the ends. I work at a tool shop as a Designer so I modeled up the Aluminum Clamp brackets and had one of our CNC guys make them up. The mounting brackets I made up myself out of 3/16 steel and they utilize existing Steering Linkage mounting points on the frame. I still need to make the bracket to attach the Tie rods and I need to get a piece steering shaft and two universals to connect the steering column. I have also modified the column, removed the column shift mechanism, removed the rag joint plate and added a bearing at the base of the Column.

Very cool. Have you checked to see if you can run the wheels from lock to lock?

I ask as a friend had a rack system on hi '67 Fairlane and the range was so limited that even pulling out his driveway onto the street was a 3 point turn.

Could you share the distance between the frame rails on your '71? My guess is that it's wider than then 66-69 cars, but I'd like to know that.

Thanks!

[MZ 500]

The frame rails are wider on the 70 71 Torino, I haven't checked on this thread in a few months if you still need that measurement let me know? I have talked to a fellow 71 Torino owner that is using this rack (he is where I got the info on my setup) He told me he is not getting full lock to lock but only notices a problem getting into tight parking spots he has to swing it wide, he is however happy with the stability at higher speeds over the stock setup he is currently using stock tie rods but plans to go to Heim joints and possibly moving the points closer together where they connect to the rack.

[MZ 500]

More progress the body finish work is coming along nice! A little out of order LOL.

[chunger]

The frame rails are wider on the 70 71 Torino, I haven't checked on this thread in a few months if you still need that measurement let me know? I have talked to a fellow 71 Torino owner that is using this rack (he is where I got the info on my setup) He told me he is not getting full lock to lock but only notices a problem getting into tight parking spots he has to swing it wide, he is however happy with the stability at higher speeds over the stock setup he is currently using stock tie rods but plans to go to Heim joints and possibly moving the points closer together where they connect to the rack.

That's ok, since we now know that the frame rails are wider, I think i'll wait and see how your project goes and it could possibly be adapted to earlier cars.

I believe a rack would be more stable, as most of the recirculating ball systems tend to get worn right in the middle of travel, thus have some slop when going straight down the road. I think you're onto the right idea by moving the inner locations closer to the centerline of the car. The added length should give you more options on length.

Happy to see the project is still alive!

[RogueFab]

Beautiful and thorough bodywork. Man that car needed it BAD! Nice to see a Torino being done. Love these cars. My fav ford

[Motown 454]

Nice work! The body looks great.

[blade]

I just read through all of your posts, nice work on the rust repairs and nice fab skills on the repair panels and custom parts that you have built!

[MZ 500]

Thanks guys! it feels good to see it start to look like a car again! there is a big box under the tree with a new aluminum radiator so I will have some brackets to make this winter. I am going to run a separate trans cooler as well.

[Protour_Pinto]

Nice work on the body! I sure dont miss Michigan seeing those before pictures!

[M.Rad.]

Wow, it's been over a year since the last update! Any more pictures and progress reports? I'd love to see this in finished form.

Regards,
M.R.

[Michaels 69]

The car is turning out great.

[Chucktruck]

You are a great fabricator man. I would love all the specs on that rack, like everything I would need to pick up or make to put in my 71 torino GT. But I don't have access to a c.n.c like you did. As for my car it is all tore down right now cuz I'm also restoring mine...

[1tuff68]

Updates?