Topic: 67 390 GT power steering upper return hose routing

[Jaybart68]

Hi, I’ve searched for this but could not find an answer so here I am hoping for one.

My dec 22, Dearborn built 390 GT came without power steering. I read that power steering was a dealer install option and from what I found in the car someone made the switch in mid-69 (or with mid-69 parts for steering box, valve, and pump).

I’ve redone the entire engine bay and have new npd sourced “concourse “ hoses. How does the upper return hose route? Attached is a picture of mine right now (not crimped down yet). Is this right? Does the hose need trimming and/or rerouting?

[Bob Gaines]

Hi, I’ve searched for this but could not find an answer so here I am hoping for one.

My dec 22, Dearborn built 390 GT came without power steering. I read that power steering was a dealer install option and from what I found in the car someone made the switch in mid-69 (or with mid-69 parts for steering box, valve, and pump).

I’ve redone the entire engine bay and have new npd sourced “concourse “ hoses. How does the upper return hose route? Attached is a picture of mine right now (not crimped down yet). Is this right? Does the hose need trimming and/or rerouting?

It looks like from what little I can see in the picture that the return nipple coming out of the back of the pump is turned in a different then normal direction for your application. This would make routing the hose the way it was factory installed impossible given the pump used. The dealer installed kits were more of a universal fit kit. Your alternatives can be find a different pump with the correct nipple if you want the factory routing , change out the reservoir can with one that has the correct nipple onto your pump internals (many times what you have to do with auto parts store rebuilds)  or loop the return hose out of the way similar to what you show in the picture.

[Bob Gaines]

It looks like from what little I can see in the picture that the return nipple coming out of the back of the pump is turned in a different then normal direction for your application. This would make routing the hose the way it was factory installed impossible given the pump used. The dealer installed kits were more of a universal fit kit. Your alternatives can be find a different pump with the correct nipple if you want the factory routing , change out the reservoir can with one that has the correct nipple onto your pump internals (many times what you have to do with auto parts store rebuilds)  or loop the return hose out of the way similar to what you show in the picture.

I suppose it would have do with what your expectations are also ,making it work vs the factory look and what makes the best sense for you to do.

[Jaybart68]

Thanks for those speedy replies! Very helpful. I had a hunch that the return nipple was pointing the wrong direction.

What are my expectations? Well, I did the car to concourse spec. So I did factory spec on everything else. Now the power steering did not come with the car but is 69 stuff - e.g. 5/16 connections instead of 1/4.

So would a concourse judge look at that and say “the power has to go, convert back to manual”, or is there a “it’s okay as long as it is done in a way the Ford dealer would have done this in 69”.

The 1967 Mustang specs list power assist steering as both RPO and DLR option so I feel it would be authentic to the cars history to present the car with the power steering the way a dealer would have installed it in 1969.

That would suggest “loop the hose out of the way similar to the way the picture shows”. What do you think?

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks for those speedy replies! Very helpful. I had a hunch that the return nipple was pointing the wrong direction.

What are my expectations? Well, I did the car to concourse spec. So I did factory spec on everything else. Now the power steering did not come with the car but is 69 stuff - e.g. 5/16 connections instead of 1/4.

So would a concourse judge look at that and say “the power has to go, convert back to manual”, or is there a “it’s okay as long as it is done in a way the Ford dealer would have done this in 69”.

The 1967 Mustang specs list power assist steering as both RPO and DLR option so I feel it would be authentic to the cars history to present the car with the power steering the way a dealer would have installed it in 1969.

That would suggest “loop the hose out of the way similar to the way the picture shows”. What do you think?

It is your car so you can present the car any way you want but if you are asking about concours venues then I can give you my observations. The modification would be dismissed in a modified class. The way it came from the factory would be how most concours venues would use as a yardstick. Dealer additions are typically dismissed without deductions with documentation that it was installed on that car when new from the dealer. If not for a documentation on the specific car all possible things that a dealer could install would have to be allowed like Philco TV,power antenna ,trailer hitch , duel four barrel intake and carbs ,etc. If it were my car I would change out the pump so that it doesn't stand out as unusual. Without a Marti report a venue would not know that there was anything unusual unlike the way it is now. If you are wanting acceptance and no deductions for the modification when participating in a concours venue then I would suggest reviewing the rules of the particular venue and choose a venue and or class that will allow a dealer modification without back up documentation. FYI I have bought the NOS kits in years past that included pumps with the correct nipple so some came with the correct ones also. Just my observations . Others may have another take on the situation .

[Bob Gaines]

FYI if going the concours route the 67 dip stick had "the check level when running" information metal stamped on the thumb pull unlike the later 68 and up version without. The OEM TRW pumps that were painted black had the dipstick installed prior to painting so the dip stick would be black and a bare metal unpainted witness line would be visible on the neck of the pump when the dipstick was removed.

[Jaybart68]

Bob, thank you for all your insights. I decided to go 67 factory and am finding the right pump. 

[krelboyne]

Bob, thank you for all your insights. I decided to go 67 factory and am finding the right pump.

You really only need a correct, power steering pump reservoir.

[Bob Gaines]

You really only need a correct, power steering pump reservoir.

Yes ,that is covered in reply #1.