1965 steering arm holes

[Bill W.]

On a non power steering 65 should both tie rod end holes be open ? The manual says on a power steering car the outer hole should be plugged . On a non power steering car should the inner be plugged ?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 steering arm holes

On a non power steering 65 should both tie rod end holes be open ? The manual says on a power steering car the outer hole should be plugged . On a non power steering car should the inner be plugged ?

Bill------


No, on a manual steering car the inner steering arm holes were not plugged. This is because the manual steering cars could have the tie rod ends installed in either hole, although they were only installed in the outer holes from the factory. An owner with manual steering could later opt for "faster ratio" steering (which came with higher steering effort) by moving the tie rod ends to the inner holes.

For power steering cars, the tie rod ends were not to be installed in the outer hole positions. Thus, the aluminum plugs were factory installed to prevent this.

[Richard P.]

Re: 1965 steering arm holes

On a related item. I have new plugs for the rear/outer holes on my power steering equipped '63. Do I just clean the holes and then gently tap the plugs in from the top? Is any loc-tite, glue, or other kind of stickum required. Thanks.

[Tony S.]

Re: 1965 steering arm holes

Richard-no, the plugs are tapped in from the bottom up. The "head" of the plug faces down. You won't need any lock tight. The up-end of the plug is peened over.

Tony

[Richard P.]

Re: 1965 steering arm holes

Tony, thanks for the directions. I usually get stuff in upsidedown, backwards, you name it.