OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

[Ed S.]

I need a new steering coupler for my 64 Corvette (non-telescoping steering column). One well know Corvette (and other) internet parts supplier carries the part. I called and spoke to a sales rep. Asked if the part meets NCRS judging standards. The reply was, "if you are asking if this is an OEM part, no it is not". But, it is a "stock replacement" part - and the info listed with the part states the following: "This stock replacement steering column coupling is manufactured by GM or by one of its authorized suppliers for use as a factory replacement part. You will find the fit, finish and function meets all GM specifications."

So, my question is - will this non OEM "stock replacement" part that meets GM standards also meet NCRS judging standards? If anyone that is responding would like a link to the vendor webpage for this item I can provide it. Also, if the answer is definitely, "No, it does not meet NCRS standards" then can responders provide a reference or link to a part that does meet the standard.

I am doing some repairs to a recently purchased Vette - it is a condition 2+ driver, I do not want to degrade its condition by installing parts that will not meet NCRS standards. Trying to get closer to that Top Flight status if you know what I mean.

[Larry M.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

I do not believe that any currently available new coupler will be identical to OEM or meet NCRS Judging without a deduction. Your only hope would be to locate NOS on Ebay or at a swap meet.

That being said, I think the couplers from LICS and other major sources (Zip, CC, Keen, etc) are close enough to use, and will provide safely and with minimal deductions. I would not hesitate to install on my own car. If I recall correctly, the current couplers do not have the metal mesh embedded into the couplers for electrical continuity, and require a separate wire strap.

Let's see what others say. I know that Gary R said he purchased all the old stock he could find a year or so ago to use in his steering box rebuilds. You could contact him and make him and offer.

Larry

[Timothy B.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

I have had Saginaw steering couplers for the 63-66 and I can tell you all the repro parts I have seen are poor quality and can't even compare to the Saginaw part. Keep a eye open for a NOS part but be ready to spend some $$, it's also a very important safety part for your car.

[Jim R.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

LIC is identical to original just save your bolt as the head size is smaller on the LIC otherwise it is excellent.

[Ed S.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

Thanks to all that have replied. You all have confirmed my suspicion. I believe I will buy a quality non-OEM unit from one of the reliable and well know Corvette specialty suppliers. Trying to find one that meets NCRS standards might be difficult and very expensive. Thanks for the comment regarding the "wire mesh" - it never occurred to me that a grounding wire would be needed - very helpful comment.

[Ed S.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

All that said - getting back to the generic question, I take it that I can assume that any new parts that are listed as "stock replacement parts" even when authorized by GM do not meet OEM and NCRS judging standards. Is that correct? Taken to its logical conclusion at some point in the (not too distant) future it will be impossible to restore a classic Vette to Top Flight standards because stuff is only original once and when the original parts are gone - well that's it.

[Joe L.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

All that said - getting back to the generic question, I take it that I can assume that any new parts that are listed as "stock replacement parts" even when authorized by GM do not meet OEM and NCRS judging standards. Is that correct? Taken to its logical conclusion at some point in the (not too distant) future it will be impossible to restore a classic Vette to Top Flight standards because stuff is only original once and when the original parts are gone - well that's it.

Edward------

It sounds to me like what you mean by "NCRS judging standards" is NCRS judging standards for full credit. As others here have mentioned, at least some of the replacement couplings on the market come very close to original with respect to configuration. So, to use such a coupling would only mean a very small point deduction. One can afford to lose some points and still achieve Top Flight.

Of course, it's always better to use original GM parts but keep in mind that even some of those might not garner full credit for one reason or another.

[Gary R.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

While I have enough new box gears and parts to build hundreds of boxes I do not have anymore 63-66 GM NOS or GM service rags. I sold the last one last year after Carlisle. Check with Tim B he may have one. I have seen and used the LICS rag and it is a quality part however it is not as rigid as the GM rags were. For the most part it will be fine, it has the correct B.Copper ground strap and the bolts are close. I have not seen another one made as good today, in fact most I have seen are poor. I recall speaking with Tom Riena several months before he passed away and he stopped making the rags because he couldn't source the correct material anymore. I was planning on working with him to make them but it never happened. He was supplying most the steering parts and rags to the vendors. My advice if you see a NOS one or NOS service rag with the wire mesh buy it while you can, cost would be around $200 now. Guys are switching over to universals and cheap joints for the 63-82 boxes.

[Rob M.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

Additional question. Where there variations on the design of this coupler over the years it was used on Corvette's?

e.g. are the 1963 and 1969 coupler similar in design and appearance?

[Timothy B.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

Rob, Jim Shea may have a better answer to your question then me but from my observation the mesh that's used in place of the copper horn ground strap is the only change I notice and for sure it's better. Here is a picture of the 1963-66 service Saginaw part, it's a very well made part and as Gary pointed out the rubber material is stiff compared to most of what I have seen. The 67-68 rag is different, the last two show that service part.

[Ed S.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

Thanks again to all that have responded to my question. All great answers. I have to tell you, while I am not a novice around automobiles, it has been a few years (decades) since I've played around with one on a regular basis. And, working on a classic Corvette is totally new to me. Clearly these great machines need a lot of TLC and attention. I am overwhelmed by the amount of support, assistance and in depth knowledge that is willingly volunteered by all the contributors to this forum. It would be impossible to maintain and preserve these grand automobiles without this forum and contributors. Thanks to all. It won't be long before I am a "frequent poster" - or should I say "frequent asker".

[Domenic T.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

All that said - getting back to the generic question, I take it that I can assume that any new parts that are listed as "stock replacement parts" even when authorized by GM do not meet OEM and NCRS judging standards. Is that correct? Taken to its logical conclusion at some point in the (not too distant) future it will be impossible to restore a classic Vette to Top Flight standards because stuff is only original once and when the original parts are gone - well that's it.

Edward,
My 67 has been in my shop and has not been started. I live in Palm Springs, ca. All my replacement rubber boots have
Cracked,split and are unusable. All bought from reputable vette suppliers. The first was the shifter boot, didn't even get it installed before it fell apart. I bought another and it made it just over a year and is not usable. The old original is in better shape that the new but not good enough to use. Boot at the shifting fork crumbled, clutch rod at firewall split in half, bought new emergency cables for the plating and boots, they are in pieces. The hose to the PCV valve is cracked and it says GM on it. There's more and I posted this a while back and no one had complaints!! I called the supplier and asked if all the rubber was made in China and they said it was all from different suppliers. My shifter boot was still in the plastic when it split.
I know this sounds like I am belly aching and I guess I am.
The car doesn't see sunlight in the shop and has never had the engine run. All this in a few years. It all seems to be the protective dust boots and I can't help thinking they are all made in the same place!

Dom

[Kingston W.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

If you do not trust the replacement part to be close enough to get past the chassis judges then try rebuilding the rag joint yourself. I recall buying a rag joint rebuild kit from Napa a few years back.

[John H.]

Re: OEM vs Stock Replacement Part

If you do not trust the replacement part to be close enough to get past the chassis judges then try rebuilding the rag joint yourself. I recall buying a rag joint rebuild kit from Napa a few years back.

Kingston -

I wouldn't buy one of the rag joint "rebuild kits" if they contain a solid rubber "rag" - those are dangerous, and can fail and/or separate; the only correct/safe "rag" is a 7-lamination piece of tire carcass material.