7 layer rag for a 63 rag joint

[Bob A.]

Looking to source an original 7 layer rag for an early 63 rag joint

[Rick H.]

I'm assuming you want to rebuild your original rag joint. My understanding is that the 7 layer rag material that is the same/similar to that used on the GM rag joints is no longer available anywhere.

[Mark F.]

Looking to source an original 7 layer rag for an early 63 rag joint

Have you tried David Sokolowski ?
I think this is his phone number
310-329-5334

[Richard D.]

Check with Tom Krause Mi. Chapter member at Engineeredspares.com

[Duke W.]

Looking to source an original 7 layer rag for an early 63 rag joint

I HATE slang terms for Corvette vehicle components like "rag joint". To me it disrespects the cars and the engineers and technicians who shepherded these cars into production.

The correct name is "Coupling Unit" or "Coupling Asm." depending on the year and steering option per Group 6.525 of the Corvette P & A catalog.

One problem is that this part is not called out in AIMs because it was part of the STEERING GEAR that arrived at the St. Louis plant as an assembly.

Other misnomers I hate include "differential". That big black thing that connects the driveshaft to the two axle shafts is called an AXLE. It consists of a differential carrier that mounts the differential case that includes the differential gears and Positraciton clutch pack if so equipped. Install the rear cover and you have a complete AXLE.

... just a rant from an original SWC owner whose first job out of college was as a production engineer for Pontiac who probably won't be around that much longer and more are likely to follow.

Duke

[Arland D.]

Duke,

Feel better now? I know I do

[Mark F.]

So Duke,

Along with the obvious primary purpose of the coupling unit to connect the steering shaft (column) with the steering gear box - is a secondary purpose for the way it's designed to damp (notice I didn't say dampen [one of my pet peeves for regularly misused terms]) vibrations from coming up thru the column to the steering wheel ?

[James W.]

I had Tom Krause restore my Dec ‘62 built 1963 SWC steering coupler. I requested my original castings. He has rivets with the “F” on it and has 7 “cotton” layers included with the rubber isolator as seen in the assembly picture.

[Gary J.]

Do you have a contact #?

[Tom K.]

Do you have a contact #?

Hello Gary,
The phone number I use for Engineered Spares is (248) 697-6772 text prefferred but voice is fine too. The best way to reach me is through email: tkrause@engineeredspares.com
Emails go to my personal cell phone so I am likely to see them sooner. The website engineeredspares.com has 'contact us' links.

I am working on a webpage now to offer separte rebuild parts - the steering coupling rebuild sservice doesnt seem that popular

Thanks so much for your interest!

Tom Krause 63300

[Duke W.]

So Duke,

Along with the obvious primary purpose of the coupling unit to connect the steering shaft (column) with the steering gear box - is a secondary purpose for the way it's designed to damp (notice I didn't say dampen [one of my pet peeves for regularly misused terms]) vibrations from coming up thru the column to the steering wheel ?

Yes it "damps" (attenuates) vibration... doesn't make anything "wet", and that thing at the front of the crankshaft is a torsional DAMPER, not a "dampner". We all also need to remember that ZERO is not "Oh", and the USA is a REPUBLIC, not a "democracy" This particularly applies to the all moronic political and media hacks who run around with their hair on fire screaming "threat to democracy"!

Think of the Pledge or Allegiance to the Flag. It goes "... and to the Republic [not democracy] for which it stands..., but I doubt if any of the above mentioned hacks could even recite it.

Duke

[Arland D.]

Since Bob got some good feedback and made the connection with Tom to answer his original question, mission accomplished. Now that this has somehow veered into the political arena, it’s time to close it.