Steering Upgrade

Hello all, I have been stalking this page and finally decided to join. My father-in-law recently purchased a 1981 Corvette and seeing as how I am his mechanic the duty of making it drivable falls on me. I am an experienced mechanic; however, I have mainly worked on late 90's to early 2000's Japanese cars. The Vette is a new challenge for me. The moment I saw it I fell in love with it and hope to keep it in the family for years to come. The upside is that the engine and transmission seem strong, but the car is all over the road and reading the post on this page has led me to know that there may be many reasons for that. I can clearly see the rag joint is "really bad". The material in the joint is almost shredded in some places so I know I can start there. The power steering pump is new however I can see at least 1 leak in the rack and looks like there may be more. This car will be a cruiser and not a street machine, so I don't need high performance, but I do want to make it comfortable to drive for my father-in-law and mother-in-law. I will keep everyone updated with my progress and thank you in advance for any help.

Hi Shawn.

I'm glad you found us and decided to join.  What specific questions do you have? (I couldn't quite pull out any specific asks in your post).  Pictures are always helpful too, if you have them.

We have a lot of knowledgeable folks here.

Specifically would I be better off going through the existing OEM system hunting down issues or could it be benficial to just buy a complete kit like the Borgeson or steeriod kit? Beside the new pump the steering system appears to be pretty old and worn.

There are certain contingencies in this area. Do you want to stay O.E.M.? Are you going to enter any judging events? Are finances a concern? The old system was good for the day. Better systems are available. It may be a better option to get a aftermarket system, and do it one time. Costs are more,  but are worth the extra money. D.I.Y. would save some money,  and take some time. It's possible. Just go slow..

Not looking to stay OEM, not entering any contest. May drive it in a parade or two but no one is going to judge the car. Finances are not a great concern but not looking to waste money either. The steeriod kit is $2,500 and appears to be a great option. The Borgeson kit seems to be an OEM looking replacement at a third of the cost of the steeriod kit. I am also seeing these "renew kits" for around $400. I am mainly concerned with drivability and do not need "high perfromance" but I would like to do it once and be done. You Corvette guys are nicer and more responsive than the "tuner guys" I usually deal with on other forums. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

I have replaced the O.E.M. system on  my cars with new parts. No leaks or problems so far. Remember even if a aftermarket system is used,  there are other factors that be suspect for problems. Do the easy, less expensive things first. 

That being said, the car does have a new pump. I am leaning towards installing a renew set along with replacing tie rods, ball joints, stabilizer bushings, etc.  That should make the car comfortable to drive. Thanks guys and I will keep everyone updated. I will have more questions as the car has many bugs...lol. Head lights won't go down, tach, speedo, fuel gage, etc. do not work. Many other little things that need to be addressed. Till we talk again, thank you.

One more question, I hear tale of a guy who is a genius with rebuilding and blueprinting the steering gear box? Does someone have his contact information?

Not sure of whom you mention. All the small parts you mention will make a difference. A new box with a professional assembly will eliminate any problems later after a "You build it" ordeal. Take one project at a time, go slow, and do it once! Old car project ALWAYS snow ball. Plan on fixing several things to accomplish the intended goal. 

May be a dumb question but is there a preferred source for these parts? I want to make sure to order good parts. The guru must have been from another forum? Everyone was saying how good his rebuilds are? His name is Gary and apparently he blueprints the steering box with the rebuild?