Corbrastang

If anybody has a pic of the ground strap that goes between the coupler pieces/rag joint please please post it for me.
Thanks

Paul L

Are you sure there is a ground strap at the rag joint?

BarryK

cobra

there isn't a rag joint ground strap.

the ground strap locations on a midyear are:

1. LH body mount ground strap
2. antenna ground strap
3. accelerator lever ground strap
4. LH engine mount ground strap
5. Exhaust center hanger ground straps (2 of them) if the car has undercar exhaust - not used if it's a sidepipe car.

nassau66427

This should give you a pretty good idea. One end goes to the steering box side of the coupler, the other to the column side. The strap is twisted 90 degrees once it reaches the inner circumference of the rag joint. It then goes about 270 degrees around the inner circumference where it is once again twisted 90 degrees.

BarryK

you mean there IS suppose to be one on the steering rag joint??
I've never seen a midyear that I ever actually noticed one on there and nothing is mentioned in the vendor catalogs that describe the placement of the ground straps - at least not the ones I have from Paragon, LICS, etc.

this is new to me. I better look into this for my '65 if it's suppose to be there

w1ctc

The horn will not work reliably without one.

nassau66427

The rag joint ground strap is inside of the rag joint. You can't really see it from the outside unless you look very closely and know what it is you are looking for. One end is originally attached via the rivet in the coupling.

BarryK

ahhh, thanks for explaining that. I guess that's why I never noticed one before. i'll have to look again at mine and see if I can determine if it's installed or not.

nassau66427

Barry, with a tester, you could check for continuity between the two halves of the steering coupling. Just make sure the "pins" aren't touching metal. Continuity = ground strap.

JohnZ

The originals and early service replacements had the flat copper strap; later service replacements had steel mesh in the "carcass" material instead - served the same purpose. That's why use of the "repair kit" hunk of rubber results in an inoperative horn - no strap, no mesh.

BarryK

so..... if my horn works (which it does) than I should assume i have the ground strap?

Paul L

I can't see a ground strap. And my horn works.

Paul L

Dupe for some reason. Apologies.

vintagecorvette

It is in between the parts. Pull it apart and you will see it.

oWEN

Grey Ghost

Who sell's the one with the mesh ? Paragon ?

vettepoor

I recently replaced the rag joint on my 63 w/o the ground strap, and the horn works fine.

JohnZ

Anyone who sells the complete rag joints is selling a GM replacement part, which will either have the strap or the mesh.

Corbrastang

So, i need a pic so i can fabricate one for my fathers car. Anybody want to post a pic for me??
It looks like I may be able to make one out of an exhaust manifold french lock.

nassau66427

Cobrastang - My drawing should serve you well enough. Use .020 copper sheet stock. The straight part of the strap connecting the two ends is 1/4" wide. You should be able to cut one out with a pair of scissors. Make one out of paper first to establish the length and then use that as a pattern.

Mid Year Man

I found this forum from 09 in regards to ground straps, my question is: I have just rewired my 65 coupe car, almost finished front to rear, and before I hook up the battery for the initial power I want to make sure everything is safe. I still have the new ground straps in a package, are they necessary for grounds for the car or mainly the radio?[/B] I have purchased a new rag joint from one of the vendors, so I assume that one is ok?