69 Chevelle SS power steering

[Fisherguy]

Hey all, new guy here, first post.
Had a 69 Chevelle SS about 40 years ago and bought another one a few months ago. It's a Cdn built real deal SS that was originally fathom green; the previous owner had it restored and painted it orange, he hated the green.

Anyhow, he restored it to pretty much factory stock as it was built including manual steering that I'd like to change to PS but would like it to look original.
Here's a pic of the manual box.

I've read on another forum 1969 was a "one off" year for PS, the pump brackets are a pain to deal with and the return line of the pump sucks, some people cut them off and reweld them to point in the right direction or something and I'd be better off using brackets and pump from the 70-72's or something?

Any advice appreciated.
Thx
Will

[WorkinProgress]

Hi Will,

Welcome to this site.

I did a write-up some years back on the differences between the '69 B/B P/S pumps. You are correct, 1969 is a one year only for this style pump.

Camaro, Chevelle, and Nova share the same P/S pump can, with the location of the return line tube. There are some internal differences between variable and non-variable.

The Impala or Pass car pump has a different return line direction. Points away from the engine.

Here is the link, hope you find it usefull.

- Warren

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=127049

[Unreal]

When I built my Yenko Tribute, I wanted the correct look, so I searched far and wide for the illusive 69 only P/S pump reservoir. I have seen lots of b/b with s/b reservoirs, and they had no interference issues. Just curious why they needed the different reservoir.

[Woj]

If you want the correct appearance without breaking the bank, you can go with repopped power steering pump can, repop brackets and an AMK hardware kit and you solve the pump issue. If you car is a low horse engine, the standard pulley is easy to find GM on-line. Repops aren't bad their either. SS396.com has a decent power steering line kit that features the pressure and return hoses. You will need a ps box, steering column coupler and pitman arm to finish the deal. You will be into this for about $500 - $600 all said and done if you buy everything off the shelf. A little bit of bargain hunting and you may find a ps box reasonably priced. Go with original components and you'll go over $1000.

I have installed these components for friends before. Like anything repop, there will be a few minor issues. None of this stuff is dead on, but you shouldn't have to do any mods to make it work. The repop ps can has the reservoir pipe off in direction by about 25 - 30 degrees, but it will work.

Good luck.

[Fisherguy]

More than 1 person has said the 69 pump and it's brackets are a PITA and I should get parts off a 70 but I think the 70 pump looks entirely different?
Mind you not many people are going to know the difference.
Car has a flex fan too, find the proper clutch fan setup.

[Woj]

The 70 pump and brackets are definitely different. Much easier to use too. FWIW. I've had good luck with 69 pumps (even repops) and brackets. You can still find NOS GM 70 brackets all day long.

[Fisherguy]

Originally Posted by Woj

The 70 pump and brackets are definitely different. Much easier to use too. FWIW. I've had good luck with 69 pumps (even repops) and brackets. You can still find NOS GM 70 brackets all day long.

With the 69 pump one of the lines points right at the block, is that what people don't like about them and the brackets?
I can get repro 69 brackets too, saw them somewhere...
Thx