I recently picked up a manual steering box for my '67 Malibu. I would like to get a rebuild kit for it but the auto parts places I've called say they can't get one. What's up with that? I know it could be rebuilt by a steering shop. Why aren't kits available to the general public? The box seems to be fine but I would nevertheless like to tear into it.

John why you going with a manual steering box? I do agree I just replaced my power steering box in my 67 with a caprice fast ration box, but the kits are hard to come by.

I decided to go with a manual box rather than the power unit it came with because I've always prefered the feel of manual, especially when compared with the feel of the older power steering units. Also, it does make the engine compartment look a little cleaner, which appeals to me. I've talked to a few guys with manual steering who seem to be happy with it. Ideally I'd go with a rack and pinion setup but that's beyond my fabricating skills at the moment.
John