Super Storm Sandy and my 71 Corvette

[Batvette71]

My 1971 Corvette was in 13 inches of salt water during the Sandy Storm. I flushed every sinlge part of the undercarriage with water then soaked everything with a few cases of DP Blaster even in every hole in the frame. I got the car running ( yes insurance co totaled it but I bought it back from salvage) Now my steering is starting to get very tight. I greased all the fittings. drained the power steering pump and refilled it. I also changed the power steering control valve. Still stiff to turn I was told the piston never goes bad. After adjusting the control valve it did move in and out but very slow. What else can I do to loosen the steering up?

 

[SVO]

I would start with disconnecting the relay rod from the the pitman arm on the steering box and see if the tightness is in the steering box. Then work out from there until you find the problem.

 

[GTR1999]

I agree a car under salt water is going to need a lot of attention. I had a box shipped to me that was underwater from Katerina and it was/is siezed solid. It was easier to just replace the whole box with one I built.

I would be looking at u-joints, bearings, brakes, etc that really causes issues, I wouldn't be surprised if you end up with a body off if you want to maintain the car.

Good luck

 

[SVO]

We are all attached to our particular rides, but one that has been in salt water is hard to recover from. Best might have been to let insurance take the car, especially if the insurance company attached a salvage title to the car. As Gary says, a frame off might be the best way to go. If you got salt water in the electrical harness, it would be best to pull it all out and start over with a reproduction harness and electrical devices. If not, you could be chasing electrical gremlins for years. Good luck with your project.