Cost of Power Steering option in 1953

[Merc Cruzer]

Does anyone have the cost of the Power Steering option for Mercury in 1953?

[40 Deluxe]

$151.50, "including Federal tax". This is according to Nov. 1953 Popular Science magazine.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

$151.50, "including Federal tax". This is according to Nov. 1953 Popular Science magazine.

Thank you....and now it is $2,250 and you have to install it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-Ford-P...8AAOSwPzhaM~ho

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Thank you....and now it is $2,250 and you have to install it!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-Ford-P...8AAOSwPzhaM~ho

Ya' and in '53 I was making/earning? $2.50 an hour and had a '36 cabriolet convertible that I paid a $100 for.

[tubman]

Actually, $151.50 in 1953 dollars and $2250 in today's ain't that far apart! Either way that's one expensive option. No wonder there aren't a lot out there.

[A bones]

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Just to compare in '65 we bought a new c---elle SW with only 2 options V8 and PS. The PS cost $70.

[Merc Cruzer]

The cost was probably because it was the first year offered and it was way over engineered. The return hose is the same size as the pressure hose.

My wife has a 1970 Cougar XR-7, the power steering system is basically the same as the one in my 53' Merc. I have attached pictures of both systems. It cost $104.90 when ordered on the car.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

$151.50, "including Federal tax". This is according to Nov. 1953 Popular Science magazine.

Do you have the link to the article?

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Do you have the link to the article?

By Nov.'53 the '54's were already on the showroom floors.
Although the power steering units were probably similar the Popular Science article seems to refer to the '54 production year.

[RalphG]

From the Brooklands book "Mercury 1947-59", there is an article on the 53 Mercury with all the specifications listed. They list various options and prices for them. Power steering is $150.50. Merc-o-matic is right up there at $189.81. Even the radio was a $105.95 option. Power brakes were only an additional $43. If you wanted white sidewalls on those 7.10x15 tires it would cost you an extra $32.35 for the set.

[Merc Cruzer]

Since essentially it was the same unit for almost 17 years, it make me wonder if a later unit (possible one used in a early Mustang) could be adapted to the 53'. I think the brace bolted to the frame and the bracket for the pump and the pump could be modified to fit. You would still need the three belt pulley for the flathead or the "Y' block crank.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-mustan...oAAOSwDZ1bJaBc

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

Since essentially it was the same unit for almost 17 years, it make me wonder if a later unit (possible one used in a early Mustang) could be adapted to the 53'. I think the brace bolted to the frame and the bracket for the pump and the pump could be modified to fit. You would still need the three belt pulley for the flathead or the "Y' block crank.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1965-mustan...oAAOSwDZ1bJaBc

Don't know if there is such a thing but it would be nice to have a pump that was electric to eliminate the need to install a dedicated pulley.

[40 Deluxe]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

By Nov.'53 the '54's were already on the showroom floors.
Although the power steering units were probably similar the Popular Science article seems to refer to the '54 production year.

Back then magazines had about a three month lead time, plus the time required to research, write and submit the article, and the author could have used 1953 prices.

[GaryU.]

Had to go look in a box in the garage. Got this last October with other parts from an auction. Is this the same pump and does anybody want it? Have no other pieces for it. Gary

[Kahuna]

Mercruiser:
That same system was used up to & including 1980 Ford Granada & Lincoln Versaisse (sp)
vehicles & can be adapted with a bit of work to earlier cars.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Kahuna

Mercruiser:
That same system was used up to & including 1980 Ford Granada & Lincoln Versaisse (sp)
vehicles & can be adapted with a bit of work to earlier cars.

53' to the 80's....."don't fix it if it ain't broke". Henry's philosophy was to always use a design as long a you can...sounds like that system carried over longer after after Henry had left the building.