I am considering converting my 1966 Mustang convertible from manual to power steering. What is the best way to do this. What way would you recommend and about what would the cost be. Would appreciate your recommendations since I am not a mechanic and would not know how to do this.

 

Are you after originality or functionality? If you are after functionality then I'd suggest installing a modern rack & pinion setup. The road feel is light years ahead of the original and steering effort is cut down immensely too.

I installed the Flaming River setup with a tilt wheel on my fastback and it could not have been easier. No holes to drill and I did the whole swap in about a day.

 

Either a modern-style rack and pinion, or an original system as used back then will cost BUCKS, especially if you cannot do it yourself. Personally, the original style, IMO, preserves value of the car. It would require adding a pump with the associated bracketry and belt, hoses, and an entire tie-rod assembly on which Ford mounted the power steering spool valve, which sensed added turning effort to direct oil pressure to the appropriate side of the power cylinder. I did extensive work on a 1968 Mustang which had a rack and pinion installed, had to drive it from Albuquerque to my shop in Phoenix. It was a bear to control on the interstate. It may have been shlock- installed, however, as I am totally impressed by today's rack and pinions. 165K, never touched, still tight, no leaks.

 

I have a used center link, idler arm, and control valve together that I would give away. Hoses and valve leaked a lot when I last used it, but it technically worked fine besides dumping fluid.

 

We have power steering conversion kits from Borgeson. If this has a 289, 302 or 351W we have the BRG-999020.If it has an inline six we have the BRG-999026. These include a new 14:1 box, power steering pump with bracket, steering shaft, floor mount, rag joint, and lines.

With a small block you will need a two groove crank pulley. With the inline six you would need a two groove crank pulley and two groove water pump pulley.

 

I used the borgonsen set up and I like it a lot. Not as expensive as rack and pinion and you still
Get to keep your turning radius

 

I will add, if you want the latest Tec, don't want to worry about fluid leaks, check out the new electric assist. A little pricy, but seems like simple install, no fluid! Uses your existing steering components. New enough I haven't heard any reviews. But I know what you are dealing with, my I6 has no power breaks or power steering and a three speed...don't have to worry about me texting and driving😅😅