restoration of original manual steering linkage

[Ryan V.]

I am beginning to restore my very original steering linkage. I hope someone can answer basic questions:

1) Is it possible to restore my original idler arm? If so, who could do it for me?

2) Is it possible to restore my original damper? If so, who could do it for me?

3) Is it advisable to reuse the tie rod tubes or should they be replaced?

4) My JG doesn't give advice on look of tie rods ends. Any advice?

5) Where can I get the most correct rebuild components for the relay rod?

Thanks,

- Ryan

[Joe L.]

Re: restoration of original manual steering linkage

I am beginning to restore my very original steering linkage. I hope someone can answer basic questions:

1) Is it possible to restore my original idler arm? If so, who could do it for me?

I know of no way to rebuild an original idler arm

2) Is it possible to restore my original damper? If so, who could do it for me?

I know of no way to rebuild an original steering damper. These are very similar to shock absorbers in design and function and rebuilding them is as impractical as rebuilding shock absorbers.

3) Is it advisable to reuse the tie rod tubes or should they be replaced?

Tie rod tubes can be reused if they are in good condition.

4) My JG doesn't give advice on look of tie rods ends. Any advice?

Original tie rod ends are configured considerably different than all aftermarket replacement tie rod ends. I believe that Americas Finest Corvettes in Ramona, CA either offers or will soon offer a reproduction tie rod end.

5) Where can I get the most correct rebuild components for the relay rod?

Most of the components needed to rebuild the relay rod cannot be seen once installed. The exceptions are the boot and boot clamp. I believe that Long Island Corvette offers good reproductions of the original style parts.

Thanks,

- Ryan

Ryan-----


Attached are photos of an NOS GM #3826814 tie rod end. This part was used for the right hand thread tie rod end application for all 1963-82 Corvettes. The left-hand threaded tie rod end, GM #3826596, is identical except for the thread and often has a blue dye mark instead of the yellow die mark seen on the 3826814. I have many NOS examples of the 3826596 [none for sale] but due to its similarity it's not really worth digging one out to photograph it.