Remove steering assist?

My '68 is having a bit of a steering issue... the frame bracket for the steering assist broke loose months ago and I had it repaired. They told me they'd just weld it on and I'd be good to go. Bam. Done. Right?

Nah... it broke lose again a few weeks ago and it turns out they welded the bolts up into the frame and the bolts broke loose.

Now I am being told that if I want to weld the bracket itself to the frame, it may not take because of the possibility of the two different types of metal not being able to bond properly, etc. This may be the reason for the bolts not taking the welds from the other garage, but who knows. They were also getting into possibly cutting a C-channel, etc, because of a possibly weak unibody frame.

So I am wondering, I've driven vehicles before without power steering without issue, and this one is easy to turn (not heavy, etc) until the hanging bracket gets bound up and then it won't turn to the right, but turning left is a breeze... and that's a product of the loose bracket getting bound, not the steering itself.

So I'm at my wit's end with this steering fiasco. Any have any opinions or experience on whether just removing the steering assist altogether is a viable option, and if so what kind of a job am I looking at as far as taking it off (and possibly putting it back on if it ever comes down to it)?

I'm not quite ready to go out and rip it off just yet. I am aware it would probably affect the value, I'm just looking for some insight. :)


Edited by GTS73 - 18-September-2012 at 8:22AM

I agree completely. Probably a poor weld or not prepped well enough.

A good welder can make the bracket weld to the frame. it is thick and the frame is thin. find an old school welder and he can do it.  I added power steering to mine and the nuts you referred  to were not there as it was a manual steer car originally. My high school shop teacher welded mine for me in 1991 it is still there. 

Thanks for the input thus far guys. I'd hate to rip it out... that was really just me venting a bit of frustration. :P

I have to replace the alternator and possibly voltage regulator over the next day or so when I get some time, then I'll get it to the shop I was headed to yesterday when I found the battery and alternator was flat dead. It started up after a jump but when the jumpers were pulled it cut out. If it's isn't one thing..............

You're correct, unless someone else mentioned otherwise somewhere, I'd mentioned a "weak" unibody frame in the OP. The garage I was headed to this past Monday before everything died on me seemed to have some good back and forth about possible fixes and getting it done right. I replaced the battery, alternator, and voltage reg, and everything seems to be charging fine now, so I'm headed back this Monday so they can have a look in person and give their best recommendations.