TOPIC: Glasspar Steering ID help please

I have a 69 Glasspar, 17'.
It has what I believe is the original
steering. I'm trying to get a positive
identification on the steering system
so that I can try and track down an
original cable. There are no markings
anywhere on any of the components.
The cable is 15', the housing is 12'.
The steering wheel shaft is 12 spline.
Pics below...

p.s.
I've already spoke to Joe at Ferguson's.
He suggested replacing the whole system,
which I will do as a last resort but I'd prefer
to keep my steering wheel. Or, put another
way, I'd rather pay a lot for a cable that I can
simply put in with 10 minutes of work.

Hello Art,

That is a vintage and desirable Ride Glide system. The steering would have been put on the boat at the dealership. Joe would be the man to check with for NOS parts if they are still available. I have both ride glide and telflex systems on the Glasspars we have and prefer the ride glide.


Al

Hi Al,
Thank You for the kind words, but he did write to me as he mentioned, and I was unable to help. As I discussed with him, I am not 100% sure what he has, but I am convinced that it is not Mercury Ride-Guide. I believe that it is a very early Detroit Marine brand system, but it differs from what I have seen before, and either it's cable is quite similar to a Ride-Guide, or possibly someone has previously adapted one. To learn how similar, a Ride-Guide might could be borrowed from someone to place beside his cable for close comparison, but I am somewhat skeptical that it will prove to be interchangeable. To locate a like Detroit Marine cable of the correct length (as I mentioned, I do not remember ever seeing one before), I believe that he will be quite lucky. However, maybe someone knows of one.

Regards,
Joe
www.fergusonpoolemarine.com
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Thanks Joe, I can't recall a Detroit Marine steering system. I have no experience with them at all. I can check some stuff I got that was granddad's when he was in business. But if there is anything there it may be just info and little tech if any.

Art I know sometimes it is easier to fix problems if parts are available. But I have to tell you, I have been very impressed with the new hydraulic steering John P. and a few others have on their boats. I am thinking of putting that on the 60 Glasspar Sea Fair Phaeton when she is ready to be rigged.

Al

Ferguson_Poole wrote:

However, maybe someone knows of one.

That is my hopes and reason for posting this up here.

Thank you both for all the help thus far.

Against all odds I found an exact match on ebay, Boom!

As luck would have it! Hope it works out for you.
Cal