1967 Power Steering Relay Rod

[Leonard G.]

There is an Ebay auction for a power steering relay rod fitting a 1963 thru 1968 Corvette. The auction seller says it is a new piece that is a reproduction of the 3/4 inch diameter relay rod having GM part number 3822693. I researched prior NCRS discussion board threads and found references to the 1963 thru 1968 relay rod having GM part number 3822683.

I accordingly have several questions regarding a power steering relay rod for a 1967 Corvette because I am considering the conversion from manual to power steering.

The first question concerns the correct diameter relay rod for a 1967. From prior postings on the NCRS discussion board it appears that aftermarket power steering conversion kits contain the relay rod having a 7/8 inch diameter used in 1969 and later GM production and service applications. Would NCRS judges render a points deduction for using the 7/8 inch relay rod rather than the original production 3/4 inch rod on a 1967?

Another question pertains to the reproduction relay rod auctioned on Ebay. Is there a reputable manufacturer reproducing the 1967 3/4 inch power steering relay rod? A manufacturer such as Moog or TRW using high quality forged steel would be an ideal source but that may be wishful thinking considering the amount of parts being made offshore with substandard materials. The Ebay auction seller did not disclose the manufacturer of the relay rod. Does anyone know who is the reproduction manufacturer of the relay rod? In addition, which is the correct GM part number for the 1963-1968 relay rod, 3822683 or 3822693?

Your thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Relay Rod

There is an Ebay auction for a power steering relay rod fitting a 1963 thru 1968 Corvette. The auction seller says it is a new piece that is a reproduction of the 3/4 inch diameter relay rod having GM part number 3822693. I researched prior NCRS discussion board threads and found references to the 1963 thru 1968 relay rod having GM part number 3822683.

I accordingly have several questions regarding a power steering relay rod for a 1967 Corvette because I am considering the conversion from manual to power steering.

The first question concerns the correct diameter relay rod for a 1967. From prior postings on the NCRS discussion board it appears that aftermarket power steering conversion kits contain the relay rod having a 7/8 inch diameter used in 1969 and later GM production and service applications. Would NCRS judges render a points deduction for using the 7/8 inch relay rod rather than the original production 3/4 inch rod on a 1967?

Another question pertains to the reproduction relay rod auctioned on Ebay. Is there a reputable manufacturer reproducing the 1967 3/4 inch power steering relay rod? A manufacturer such as Moog or TRW using high quality forged steel would be an ideal source but that may be wishful thinking considering the amount of parts being made offshore with substandard materials. The Ebay auction seller did not disclose the manufacturer of the relay rod. Does anyone know who is the reproduction manufacturer of the relay rod? In addition, which is the correct GM part number for the 1963-1968 relay rod, 3822683 or 3822693?

Your thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Leonard-----


The 3/4" power steering relay rod was GM #3822683. It was discontinued and replaced by the 7/8" rod, GM #3952707, in May, 1969. The 3952707 was discontinued several years ago.

While I can't say for certain, I doubt that any major steering parts manufacturer (like Moog or TRW) would produce the 3/4" rod in reproduction. The thrust of their business is replacement parts. For the replacement market, the 7/8" rod is the way to go. I think it is likely that such manufacturers do manufacture the 7/8" rod, but I don't know, for sure.

The 3/4" rod would be a "niche" market. I fully expect that it's done in the far east. That does not necessarily mean that it's inferior, though. Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers have some of the best steel manufacturing and forging facilities in the world. They didn't always have these, but they do now.

As far as whether the 7/8" rod would merit a deduction on a 63-68, I don't do any judging. However, I feel very confident in saying that it would IF it's detected. That's like other non-original items; they get penalized only if they are detected.

[Leonard G.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Relay Rod

Some additional thoughts and questions arose in my mind subsequent to my intial post regarding the 1967 power steering relay rod.

My current knowledge of the aftermarket Corvette power steering conversion kits arose from the suppliers catalogs and the NCRS discussion board postings. I have not spoken directly to the suppliers concerning the issue of reconditioned parts included in their conversion kits. The power steering relay rod is one component that may be offered as a reconditioned part. To what extent can the relay rod be reconditioned? Does the reconditioning process entail checking the rod for straightness, magnafluxing for cracks, and boring the appropriate component mounting holes oversize if out of specification due to wear and then bushing the holes with an appropriate size sleeve.

Another question concerns the warranty period on the conversion kits. I am considering two suppliers which are Vette Brakes & Products (VBP) and the other is Long Island Corvette Supply (LICS). VBP offers a one year warranty period and LICS offers 60 days. Both suppliers kits include a mixture of reconditioned and new parts. I tend to favor LICS since they concentrate on midyear vettes and accordingly appear to have the correct parts needed for the conversion on a 1967 vette. For example, LICS will supply the correct power steering pump reservoir while VBP's kit has the tear drop style reservoir. However, LICS's 60 day warranty period makes my confidence level weaken with respect to the quality of their parts and workmanship as compared to the one year warranty period on the VBP kit.

Please supply your comments. Thanks for your assistance.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Relay Rod

Some additional thoughts and questions arose in my mind subsequent to my intial post regarding the 1967 power steering relay rod.

My current knowledge of the aftermarket Corvette power steering conversion kits arose from the suppliers catalogs and the NCRS discussion board postings. I have not spoken directly to the suppliers concerning the issue of reconditioned parts included in their conversion kits. The power steering relay rod is one component that may be offered as a reconditioned part. To what extent can the relay rod be reconditioned? Does the reconditioning process entail checking the rod for straightness, magnafluxing for cracks, and boring the appropriate component mounting holes oversize if out of specification due to wear and then bushing the holes with an appropriate size sleeve.

Another question concerns the warranty period on the conversion kits. I am considering two suppliers which are Vette Brakes & Products (VBP) and the other is Long Island Corvette Supply (LICS). VBP offers a one year warranty period and LICS offers 60 days. Both suppliers kits include a mixture of reconditioned and new parts. I tend to favor LICS since they concentrate on midyear vettes and accordingly appear to have the correct parts needed for the conversion on a 1967 vette. For example, LICS will supply the correct power steering pump reservoir while VBP's kit has the tear drop style reservoir. However, LICS's 60 day warranty period makes my confidence level weaken with respect to the quality of their parts and workmanship as compared to the one year warranty period on the VBP kit.

Please supply your comments. Thanks for your assistance.

Leonard-----


I am extremely doubtful that "reconditioning" of the power steering relay rods includes much more than cleaning them up and bead blasting. Most of the holes are tapered and cannot easily be restored if damaged. However, damage or wear rarely affects these holes.

With the kits, the components supplied are usually as follows:

1) PUMP-----rebuilt; no new pumps available;

2) CONTROL VALVE----rebuilt original or new reproduction;

3) RELAY ROD-----"reconditioned" original or reproduction;

4) PITMAN ARM-----"reconditioned original" or new reproduction;

5) CYLINDER-----rebuilt original ( I don't recommend these) or new reproduction;

6) FRAME BRACKET-----"reconditioned" original or new reproduction;

7) FRAME BRACKET REINFORCEMENTS----reproduction;

8) PUMP BRACKETS-----reproduction;

9) HOSES (4)-----aftermarket replacements;

10) PUMP PULLEY-----reproduction;

11) BALANCER PULLEY (if required)-----GM

[John H.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Relay Rod

The first question concerns the correct diameter relay rod for a 1967. From prior postings on the NCRS discussion board it appears that aftermarket power steering conversion kits contain the relay rod having a 7/8 inch diameter used in 1969 and later GM production and service applications. Would NCRS judges render a points deduction for using the 7/8 inch relay rod rather than the original production 3/4 inch rod on a 1967?

The deduction for the 7/8" relay rod would be one point; hardly worth agonizing over if you can't find a 3/4" rod.

[Gerard F.]

Re: 1967 Power Steering Relay Rod

Leonard,

I put a power steering conversion kit on my 67 S/B about five years ago. I got it from Corvette Central (but I really think it came from Vette-Brakes. Not sure of the size of the relay rod but I think it's the bigger one.

Judged twice and got a 1 point deduct (out of 16) each time. Once for the plastic reservoir cap, second time with the right cap, for some scratches on the ram.

Works just great, make sure you attach to the inner lug on the spindle.

Also Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes (www.cssbinc.com) is now selling them. If their kit is as correct as their 67 Master Cylinder, then you have a winner. But I think they have the 7/8" relay rod, as the kit is advertised for 63-76.