I will complete the power Rack installation tomorrow on my 64 1/2 coupe. I guess I got lucky, my complete kit; hoses, etc. was 2000 plus tax. In defense (after reading the thread I need too), there are a few items I prefer to have a solid company and support for. ONe of those on my car is steering the other is brakes. My Brakes are Wilwood and my steering is a power rack from TCP. In both cases I have a warranted product that will be supported and backed by someone with the ability to defend their product, in court if necessary. In short, it is safe and proven technology. I'm a smart guy, I could make something that could work......but I'd rather be driving the car than living for it.
Is $2000 a lot of money? Hell yes it is. Is $500+ too much money for a steering box with 1950 technology? Unquestionably, ...yes. But add up the cost of:
New Steering Box........ $500.00
New Steering Valve..... $300.00
New Ram................... $190.00
New Hoses................ $125.00+
That's a total over $1100 Bucks and now you have correct and New steering components for the car....ala 1950s technology.
For $800 more you get a much better and robust steering solution specifically designed to fit and function in a car that is approaching 40 years old. It's bolt-on, it's not rocket science and to boot it cleans up the area around the headers on the left side.