Seeking info regarding the steering column & steering shaft of a 74 Pantera

I can take some measurements of a spare I have over the weekend, it should be a full round 36 spline lower, upper is a Ford wheel spline fitment. The steering column is out of a euro Ford Capri Mk1.

Thanks Joules I really appreciate it.

I think it's a 9/16" - 36 spline

Thanks David. What is the 9/16" you are referring to?

I am looking to put an electric power steering (non-hydraulic) from IdCars  (their Unisteer W360 kit) on my 74 and they asked these questions: what is the shaft type: double D ,or 3/4 round, or 3/4 double D? And what is the size of the steering column, 2 inches?

They also wanted to know about the tranny, if it's manual or auto and is the shiftier on the floor or column.

That's why I was asking these questions. I still don't know the shaft type. The 36 spline that you and Joules are referring to, is that to do with the shaft type?

The good thing with electric (as compared to the Hydraulic) is that I am assuming I can put a switch on it and shut it off any time I want (like when I leave a parking place) when I don't need it like with speeds over 20 mph.

David, I just figured out that you are referring to the U joint size when you say 9/16" and 36 spline (steel). But is it the 30 X 17 mm or 26 X 17 mm? And hopefully the steering column is 2" that Joules is going to measure the spare he has over the weekend.

Mike, 

Here you go: http://www.saccrestorations.ne...-power-steering-kit/

Wow, thanks David.  Apparently this is specifically made for a Pantera hence the expensive price of $1,550. The one I was looking at from Idcars is much cheaper (and I think a little nicer looking, although who cares when you can't even see it). It's around $1,000

https://www.carid.com/unisteer...-kit-1098277131.html

 Thanks for sending me this info because now I know other people have installed it and it works great so I won't be scared in having it installed and be worried if I am doing the right thing.

Mike,

The SACC system is a bolt-in unit. They send you a complete upper column. You remove yours and install theirs. Just ask Scott how many times the prototype column and associated parts were changed, altered or modified before he arrived at an installation he was happy with, that also minimized the modifications required to the car. That's what you're paying for, as well as brackets, hardware and clear instructions as to how to interface the electronics with the Pantera's. Unisteer also charges $170 for a variable assist module but that's part of the SACC kit. I can't imagine an EPAS installation without it. 

Oh wow, now that makes sense. An extra upper column and the variable assist included! I would never buy one if it didn't have a variable, it makes a world of difference. OK then, also since I am so lousy at doing even the simplest things (plus I have a bad back and the Mrs won't allow me to get down on my back), where would be the best place to have it installed around Irvine (southern California)? And maybe I should change the Alternator from the original that is still on my car to a 100 amp or higher, what do you think? You've been a great help man. Thanks David.

Mike,

 The only person I have experience with, who also happens to be the guy who restored my Pantera, is Don Byars of Full Throttle Panteras in Lake Elsinore ( http://fullthrottlepanteras.com/ . I believe he's installed this electric power steering system:   http://www.ezpowersteering.nl/..._Tomaso_Pantera.html .

SACC's system should be a bit easier (and cheaper) for him to install because there's no VSS to deal with. 

A bigger alternator is a good idea but if yours is working fine, I'd probably leave it. Don's a better person to ask than I am. If you want to do it yourself, Pantera Electronics has a kit: https://www.pantera-electronic...m/12sialternator.htm

 Good luck!

Thanks again David, however, you got me a little confused just now. In your previous post, you said that SACC's system has the VSS (variable assist steering?) included in the price, but then in this new post, you've said that the SACC is easier for Don to install because there's no VSS to deal with.

"Unisteer also charges $170 for a variable assist module but that's part of the SACC kit. I can't imagine an EPAS installation without it."

"SACC's system should be a bit easier (and cheaper) for him to install because there's no VSS to deal with."

Please clarify. And thanks for the info on the Alternator.

Mike,

VSS stands for Vehicle Speed Sensor. The SACC unit has a knob that you turn to increase or decrease the amount of assist provided by the EPAS. Unisteer works the same way (if you purchase the variable assist module). The EZ Electric system utilizes a VSS, which decreases the level of assist automatically, as vehicle speed increases. By the time you get to highway speeds, the EPAS assist decreases to zero. This is a nice feature but increases the price significantly. 

Oh I see now. OK then. Forget the expensive EZ unit. I will stick with the SACC one. Again, thanks very much David for all your help and information (or should I say Knowledge?). Case closed. Take care.

Mike