We like to preach about building offbeat cars here at Custom Rodder, but we must admit there's something to be said for following a more mainstream path. The most obvious benefit is the wide availability of proven bolt-on aftermarket components that can minimize fabrication and make the car-building process much simpler. Better still, many such products can make these popular cars much more enjoyable to drive.
These facts were driven home yet again when our friend Chris Bassett picked up a '56 Chevy project. In assembling the chassis, Chris was able to pick from dozens of specialty parts designed specifically for his car. They ranged in price, style, and maybe even effectiveness, but all were intended for straightforward installation and designed to deliver more modern, comfortable driving characteristics for these popular classics.
Take, for instance, the steering system. Chris had his choice of several rack-and-pinion conversions, as well as many different steering boxes, designed to fit his Chevy's chassis. In talking with his friends at Performance Online, he opted for one of that company's newest power steering box offerings. Built by Concept One, this box is designed for simple bolt-in installation, much like the Saginaw 605 power steering boxes that have long been adapted to '55-57 Chevys. The difference is that this is an all-new steering box with updated internals and a rack-and-pinion style servo, all of which are tuned to provide quick, precise control and superior road feel. It's considered a "performance" box, and as such is offered in two relatively quick turning ratios-14:1 and 12.7:1.
In addition to the steering box, Performance Online set Chris up with an ididit tilt column. This is another no-brainer for mid-'50s Chevys, as ididit has columns specifically designed to fit them. Chris got the column-shift version and topped it off with a new half-wrap wheel from Billet Specialties. The wheel is the Outlaw model, which kinda looks like an updated, stylized version of an old Vette three-spoker.
 The first order of business,...  The first order of business, naturally, was to remove and discard the old steering column... |  ...and manual steering bo...  ...and manual steering box. | |
As expected, installation of all items was pretty straightforward. After checking out the highlights in the accompanying photos, you just might want to find your own '56 Chevy to turn wrenches on.