Air-O-Matic torque valve

[qbond]

G'day from Brisbane Australia. I am trying to keep my elderly father driving and want to fit air assist steering to an old car for him. Can anyone please supply an old Air-O-Matic torque valve so I can copy and make a smaller one. Doesn't matter if it is worn out, only needs be complete. Arthur Bloom can't supply smaller ones, and I cant post a wanted classified as I am not in the USA, UK etc.

 

[comdiver]

Some of the 60's and 70's American cars used a power assist ram. I think Ford Mustang's were one and also some GM's. These should be much cheaper and a power steering pump should be cheaper and easer also.

 

[qbond]

Thanks Comd - I am trying to avoid fitting a new steering box though, as it is a classic etc etc

 

[comdiver]

The assist rams are able to use the old steering box. They work like the air-o-matic except they use a hydraulic pump instead of air.

 

[rizzo]

some ford pickups had the hydro assist in the late 70's

 

[qbond]

Ok thanks - but what is used to send the "signal" to the pressuriesd fluid to go to the assist ram if the old steerig box is being used - don't you need a steering box with the valves in which are opebed when force at the rim exceeds a certain amount?

 

[comdiver]

Very-very simplified the assist link has the valve built into it. When you turn the wheel it feels the movement and moves hydraulicly.

 

[rizzo]

the drag link has the valve in it

 

[comdiver]

Check this website out. http://www.karmustang.com/power_steering_kit.php They show parts for a mustang, but there were a few that used this type of system. What kind of car are you converting?

 

[qbond]

Thanks, this explains how and why you dont need to put in a power steer box, if the valve goes in the drag link, just like the air-o-matic system. The primary vehicle is a Jag Mark 1 which has had a bigger/heavier engine fitted. Unfortunately, there is no drag link, as the Pitman arm attaches direct to the track rod and the rod to the wheel. I wanted to get an air control valve to mount inside the car to provide assistance for parking/reversing but not general driving - but the idea seems to be dead in the water as while I am happy to have an air line in the cabin I am not so keen on hydraulic lines.