Woodward Machine
Makes race-oriented steering parts, such as collapsible intermediate shafts, columns and quickeners. It is mostly circle-track and off-road, not platform kits.
Steering for the 1949–51 Mercury
Quick-ratio boxes, rack-and-pinion and columns. Kits made for your car first, then universal parts that fit most cars, and every maker we track.
What it is
Replacing a worn manual box or slow factory power steering with a quick-ratio power steering box or a rack-and-pinion conversion, plus a modern tilt or collapsible column and steering shaft.
Why it matters
Original steering boxes need four or five turns lock to lock and wander at highway speed. A quick-ratio box (about 12.7:1) or a rack cuts that to under three turns and gives the car a firm, centered feel. A collapsible column and shaft is also a real crash-safety improvement over the solid steel shaft most classics came with.
Made for the 1949–51 Mercury
We haven't listed a steering kit made specifically for the 1949–51 Mercury yet. The universal parts below fit most cars, and the makers further down can tell you what they offer for it.
Building on a new chassis? Many complete chassis include brakes, steering and suspension. Compare the chassis for the 1949–51 Mercury.
Universal parts
Fit most cars
-
ididit Universal Tilt Floor Shift Steering Column, Black, 30" 1120300051
-
Woodward Machine Collapsible Steering Column/Shaft SCA500 (27" cut-to-fit, 3/4"-20 spline)$356.99 See it at 90racing.com
Prices were checked Oct 11, 2026 at the store linked from each part, and they change often. Product photos are shown from that store or maker's page. Confirm fitment with the seller before you order. Amazon prices aren't shown here because they change constantly; the Amazon button shows the current price. Amazon and eBay links may earn us a commission.
Who makes steering upgrades
22 makers and stores
Borgeson
Makes bolt-in power steering conversion boxes, quick-ratio boxes, steering shafts and U-joints for classic GM, Ford, Mopar and trucks.
Covers: 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1970–81 Second-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1968–74 Nova, 1964–67 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1978–88 GM G-body (Monte Carlo, Regal, Cutlass, Grand Prix) and 8 more
Classic Performance Products (CPP) 500/400 Series
Makes 500-series 14:1 power steering conversion boxes and 400/460-series boxes for GM, Ford and truck classics.
Covers: 1964–67 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1970–81 Second-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1968–74 Nova, 1965–70 Impala & GM B-body and 5 more
Lee Power Steering
Builds custom and remanufactured Saginaw and Ford power steering gearboxes in several ratios, including race boxes.
Covers: 1966–77 Early Bronco, 1973–87 Squarebody C10 pickup, 1969–72 K5 Blazer, first generation
Flaming River
Makes power rack-and-pinion cradle kits, tilt steering columns and Microsteer electric-assist columns for classic cars and trucks.
Covers: 1964½–70 Mustang, 1955–57 Tri-Five Chevrolet (Bel Air, 210, 150, Nomad), 1963–67 C2 Corvette, 1968–82 C3 Corvette, 1967–72 C10 pickup, 1953–62 C1 Corvette and 1 more
ididit
Makes retrofit (direct-fit) and universal tilt steering columns for classic cars and trucks.
Covers: 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1967–72 F-100 pickup (Bumpside), 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1968–74 Nova, 1963–67 C2 Corvette, 1968–82 C3 Corvette and 1 more
UniSteer Performance Products
Makes bolt-in manual and power rack-and-pinion conversion kits for classic GM and Ford cars.
Covers: 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1968–74 Nova, 1964½–70 Mustang, 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1955–57 Tri-Five Chevrolet (Bel Air, 210, 150, Nomad), 1970–81 Second-gen Camaro & Firebird
Steeroids (Speed Direct)
Makes bolt-on rack-and-pinion conversion kits, with or without a new column, for classic Mustang, Camaro/Nova, Chevelle and Corvette.
Covers: 1964½–70 Mustang, 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1968–74 Nova, 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1953–62 C1 Corvette, 1963–67 C2 Corvette and 1 more
Detroit Speed (DSE)
Makes quick-ratio steering gearboxes, collapsible steering shafts and U-joints for pro-touring GM, Ford and C10 builds.
Covers: 1967–69 First-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1970–81 Second-gen Camaro & Firebird, 1964–67 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1968–72 Chevelle, GTO & GM A-body, 1968–74 Nova, 1978–88 GM G-body (Monte Carlo, Regal, Cutlass, Grand Prix) and 2 more
Redhead Steering Gears
Remanufactures steering gears and builds custom quick-ratio (3-turn) boxes, mainly for GM trucks, Jeeps and later GM cars.
Covers: 1969–72 K5 Blazer, first generation, 1973–87 Squarebody C10 pickup, 1976–86 Jeep CJ-7 & CJ-8 Scrambler
Moss Motors (British classics specialist)
Sells EZ electric power steering kits and power steering kits for MG, Triumph and Jaguar.
Covers: 1961–75 Jaguar E-Type
Techno Toy Tuning
Makes steering, suspension and brake parts for Datsun, Nissan, Toyota and Mazda chassis.
Covers: 1970–78 Datsun 240Z, 260Z & 280Z (S30), 1968–73 Datsun 510, 1984–87 Toyota Corolla AE86 (GT-S & SR5), 1979–85 Mazda RX-7, first generation (SA/FB), 1986–92 Mazda RX-7, second generation (FC), 1993–95 Mazda RX-7, third generation (FD) and 4 more
Motorsport Auto (The Z Store)
Sells restoration and performance parts for Datsun and Nissan Z cars.
Covers: 1970–78 Datsun 240Z, 260Z & 280Z (S30)
Silvermine Motors
Makes brake, suspension and steering upgrade kits for Datsun, Nissan, Toyota, Lexus and Mazda models; sold for off-road use.
Covers: 1970–78 Datsun 240Z, 260Z & 280Z (S30), 1968–73 Datsun 510, 1989–98 Nissan 240SX (S13 & S14), 1992–2000 Lexus SC300 & SC400, 1984–87 Toyota Corolla AE86 (GT-S & SR5), 1984–95 Toyota pickup & 4Runner and 2 more
Cruiser Corps
Sells OEM, aftermarket and used parts for Toyota Land Cruisers.
Covers: 1960–84 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, 1980–90 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 & FJ62
Hybrid Racing
Makes and sells performance parts for Honda and Acura models.
Covers: 1992–2000 Honda Civic (EG & EK), 1994–2001 Acura Integra (DC2)
Wisefab
Makes front and rear suspension and steering-angle kits for drift cars.
Covers: 1989–98 Nissan 240SX (S13 & S14)
Flyin' Miata
Makes and sells performance parts for the Mazda Miata.
Covers: 1990–2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA & NB)
SLR Speed
Makes steering-angle, bump-steer and suspension parts for Mazda RX-7 and other drift platforms.
Covers: 1986–92 Mazda RX-7, second generation (FC), 1993–95 Mazda RX-7, third generation (FD)
Trail-Gear
Makes off-road axle, steering and brake parts, mainly for Toyota trucks.
Covers: 1984–95 Toyota pickup & 4Runner
Summit Racing (retailer)
Big retailer that stocks Borgeson, Flaming River, ididit, UniSteer, Detroit Speed and CPP steering parts.
JEGS (retailer)
Big retailer that carries most of the steering brands above, including UniSteer kits.
More ways to upgrade the 1949–51 Mercury
Get the Deal Finds first
The best classic-car finds we spot on eBay, Marketplace and Craigslist, plus new build guides. One email a week.