Topic: HCC-AT steering box and Oct 64 SJ Hipo

[livetoride60]

Been looking for a properly dated HCC-AX box and/or tag for my Oct 9, 64 build date hipo.  Not having any luck.  Earliest I saw was a Dec 64 HCC-AX, so wanted to make sure I'm on the right track here....

1) Just to make sure, they did use HCC-AX boxes on this early a K code, correct?  Has anyone seen examples?
2) Anyone know of examples where an HCC-AT box ended up on a K code from the factory, San Jose in this case?  Mine had a properly dated HCC-AT box when I purchased the car a few years ago.  The only reason I ask is because it's properly dated, both the tag (4J30) and cast date on the box (4J15), which I thought was a heck of a coincidence.

Thanks in advance,
Rich

[midlife]

According to the limited information I have, in 1965 before GT's were introduced, the HCC-AT was the right steering box for manual steering; the AW was for power steering. Once the GT was introduced, it provided the 16:1 steering ratio.  All others had the19:1 ratio. 

If true, what you have is what belongs in the car. 

[CharlesTurner]

The handling package most likely became available about the same time as K codes, which was about June '64.

Here are pics of a couple Fall of '64 window stickers with the handling package listed.

[J_Speegle]

Had a odd but very early San Jose fastback with the package ordered on the car. In the 80's not as much was known and the package was somewhat of a mystery for a while till we figured out what all the parts meant that we found on the car.

[Bartman]

Very strange indeed.  My Aug. 64 Dearborn built K code coupe has the HCC-AX steering box in it and it's clearly built before yours....

[livetoride60]

Very strange indeed.  My Aug. 64 Dearborn built K code coupe has the HCC-AX steering box in it and it's clearly built before yours....

Good to know of an early HCC-AX box.  I also found a Nov 64 HCC-AX online, so they were being used.

The handling package most likely became available about the same time as K codes, which was about June '64.

Also concerning the handling package as mentioned by Charles and Jeff, my car does have the thicker 13/16" sway bar and special rear springs (C4ZA-5556-S with correct date) and front springs (8.25 coils, 13-7/8" height, reddish stripe).  So guessing my car did come with an HCC-AX box, since all K codes were supposed to come with the handling package.  The properly dated HCC-AT box must just be a coincidence.

Thanks for the information.

Rich

[CharlesTurner]

Maybe the tag was missing and replaced with the AT one?  There's a casting date code on the box to check.  Can also count the steering wheel turns lock to lock, should be 4 for an AX box.

[livetoride60]

Maybe the tag was missing and replaced with the AT one?  There's a casting date code on the box to check.  Can also count the steering wheel turns lock to lock, should be 4 for an AX box.

I think I figured it out...probably.  I dug through some old pics of when I first got the car and found this one showing the steering box bolts had been removed.  The original undercoating on them has been broken.  I say "original" as in from the dealer or very early in the cars life, because in multiple places when I remove the undercoating there is pristine paint, assembly marks, and factory sound deadner preserved.

So....either this box is a replacement or it is original and was removed during the amateur resto and put back on.  More likely it is a replacement for a factory HCC-AX box based on others posts.  Just strange that it had correct  tag (4J30) and cast (4J15) dates.  (to answer your question Charles).

Also, the HCC-AT box on it is a 5 turn box, so internals are correct for AT, so tag was probably not replaced.  Good thoughts tho.

Thanks for all the help!

Love a good mystery.

Rich

[66Locort]

My Oct 64 k san jose fb is
HCC-AX
4J12C

[livetoride60]

Ok thanks.