Seems like Flaming River or Ididit has an electric ps column for the street rod market? Key thing would be how to control the "boost". With an inexpensive controller, using salvage yard items, costs would be lower. Even the "normal" GM-replacement columns from FR or Ididit are over $700.00, so $1K for an self-contained electric ps unit seems more reasonable.

The basic column from a Chevy Malibu (square rear end styling) was the first electric ps unit from GM NA. It's a compact section with the motor. About 30" in length for that part of the total column. Almost all GMs now use electric ps. It's nice to not have to worry about a squealing power steering belt! Plus less load on the engine.

Collapsible column now is done with a "slip length" in the intermediate shaft between the rack and the end of the column.

"Electric Power Brakes" was mentioned in the Mustang forum post. GM tried that in the middle 1980s with the "PowerMaster" booster. Used an electric pump to "empty" the reservoir into a pressure bulb. Looked different in operation! Stopped engine = full reservoir Running engine = almost empty reservoir, which was normal, but looked flaky with the clear plastic reservoirs.

Problems existed, so it only lasted a few model years. Every mid-1980s Chevy Caprice wagon (vacuum booster equipped) in the salvage yard was "sans booster" for that reason. Just too different for the times.

CBODY67