Steering rag joint parts
Refinishing the parts. Need to replace the plastic/rubber rivet cover. Does anyone know a supplier?
Bill
Bill
-
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
Joe,
None of the rebuild kits from L.I. appear to include the rivet covers.
BillComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
you could try www.corvettesteering.com I am currently talking with them for a complete replacement on my 68 and they seem to have it all-but i did not ask about the rivet cover. They might have want you need.
PatComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
I have the Saginaw assembly drawing of the 1967-68 flexible coupling 5699250. It does not show a rubber spacer (rivet cover) on the stop pins (rivets). However, I only have a drawing that was redrawn in 1975 so I do not have the revision history before that time. It is possible that spacers were used for a period of time and either during production of the 1968 vehicle it was determined that it wasn't needed or possibly it was determined that it wasn't required for service.
I assume that the part you reference is actually a spacer. It forces the assembly plant to install the steering column in correct alignment to the steering coupling/steering gear. Since it was rubber it was probably left in place.
The 1969 Corvette flexible coupling (7806391) had plastic spacers on the stop pins. The Corvette assembly plant was instructed that they were assembly aids to align the steering column to the steering coupling/steering gear. The assembly plant was further instructed that "These spacers are for alignment purposes only and must be removed after final assembly with mating flange."
The interesting fact is that this 1969 flexible coupling was then approved for 1967, 1968 through early 1969 service. Which again leads me to believe that the plastic "throw away" spacer provided that same function as the rubber spacer that is so difficult to find.
JimComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
Jim,
Now that you mention it, I recall reading or hearing that they were spacers. In any event, corvettesteering list having "ground and rivet boots" as part of their units, not sure if they are the parts William is referring to.
Thanks for the info
PatComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
I think that the description from Corvette Steering Service as to rivet "boots" are the parts that Bill is looking for. Whether or not they will sell them separately or if you will have to purchase the complete flexible coupling assembly to get them is the question.
JimComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
Jim,
I believe you are right they are rivet boots. I do not see any way that they are used to help with assy of the rag joint. The clocking of the parts is done by using two different dia. bolts.
billComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
All,
Thanks for the help. I just talked to corvette steering service and the will sell me just the boots.
Bill
Comment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
It isn't a matter of clocking. It is a matter of aligning the steering column so that it is pointing right at the steering gear input shaft. The stop pins (or rivets) must be central in the cutouts in the lower flange in order for the gear and steering column to be in alignment.
The gear bolts to the frame, there is no adjustment available. The steering column must be central as it passes through the instrument panel cutout. The lower end of the steering column that attaches to the floorpan is the only place where there is any adjustment. With a spacer or boots on the stop pins, this pretty much forces the lower end of the column to be in alignment with the steering gear.
Don't forget that the first generation energy absorbing steering columns (1967) were campaigned because the car assembly plants were not adequately aligning the steering columns to the steering gears. Because of this campaign a Mandatory Steering Column Alignment Procedure was added to the AIMs and also to the Chassis Service Manuals.
JimComment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
Jim -
The '67 rag joint had the black plastic covers over the pins, and Long Island has them. They are NOT the same as the assembly-aid plastic spacers used on later rag joints, which were removed with a bent awl after the column was fully aligned and secured. The '67 pin insulators weren't removable once the rag joint was assembled.
The pin covers on the '67 rag joint must have been an NVH thing; can't imagine any other reason for them.Comment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
I did a couple of 67 boxes that still had them on the rag joints. You don't see them too often anymore.Comment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
John,
Do you or others know if the 67 plastic covers changed to the assembly spaces in 68? I am in the process of doing my setup currently and curious if 68 had the same covers as 67.
Also, before disassembly of my car, the rim of my steering wheel is about 2 -3 inches from the top of the seat cushion (no telescoping opt). This makes it very challenging to get into the driver seat. Is that typical of 68 or is it an alignment issue I will need to correct?
Thanks,
Pat
68 427 / 400
88Comment
-
Re: Steering rag joint parts
John,
This is what I was trying to get across, these covers do not appear to have anything to do with assy. Mine are cracked and worn. Thanks for the pict. thats the cover. I contacted Corvette Steering and ordered them. My car is almost ready for the body drop. Just a few minor things to finish.
Thanks All for your help.
BillComment
Comment