Panther Kallista, rack and pinion woes...

[Pantherboy]

Good afternoon everyone. Long time lurker to BCF, but few time poster

The auto in question today is a 1986 Panther Kallista, which has undergone some gradual restoration. The latest thing to need work is the rack and pinion steering.

We have already had it sent out for a rebuild, just to find out that parts weren't available to do the job.

Does anyone know anything about the rack and pinion system and have an idea of where I might be able to salvage one from? I'm hoping an old 1986ish Mustang or similar vehicle would be a match, since the engine was sourced from Ford.


Thanks in advance for any help anyone has to offer. This place has been invaluable in the past.

Jon

 

[Roger]

I think, though after so many years I couldn't be certain, that some Kallista bits came from the Ford Sierra, not an American Ford.
You can still get Sierra spares in the UK, including steering racks.

 

[aeronca65t]

Yes, I believe Roger is correct about the Sierra.

But a similar Euro-Ford was brought to the US in the mid-80s: the "Mercury Merkur".
The Merkur was German built, but it had a lot of Sierra bits on it.
I've seen them in American junkyards so you might get lucky.
G'luck!

 

[Pantherboy]

I didn't know that. Excellent, that's where i'll start then! Thanks to both of you!

 

[JPSmit]

there seem to be a few available on car-part.com in the northeast for about $150

Wikipedia says the North Amercan Mekurs were made outside of Britain so you may want to confirm interchangeability - perhaps with a Merkur club

 

[Pantherboy]

Ahh yes, i've browsed that site before. Never thought of looking for a whole steering assembly. Thanks for the look out! Some of those might even be available near me and I can get a hands on look.

Thanks again!

Jon