brucep

Hi All,

I have the steering column of my 66 out to work on my instrument cluster. I felt the rag joint with my hand. It is not torn but it feels softer than I would "guess" it should.

How you do determine if the web needs to be replaced, and if it's put together correctly in terms of pins etc? The web is bolted to lower flange, rivitted to the upper.

Thanks

Scott Marzahl

If this thing is original, it more than likely should be replaced.

For more info go to www.corvettefaq.com
Click on Jim Shea's Steering Articles

GTR1999

There should be no play in the joint. The aftermarket kits for $10 use a softer joint that is no where as good as the more expensive GM joints. Although GM no longer supplies the 63-66 joints. You can call Tom at Corvette Steering as he supplies just about everyone to see if he has any left if you need one. With the rag installed there should be no lost motion in the joint/box. Turning the steering wheel should turn the input shaft as well.
PS- I have one NOS GM rag for the 63-66 std columns if you can't find one, but it's not cheap.

67-427ci

Had mine rebuilt by Tom at Corvette Steering last winter. It came back looking new and has the heavy duty rivets along with a ground strap. Cost was around $80.00. Not cheap, but well worth it when you consider the safety factor.
Roy

ragtopman

By chance do you have a contact number or web site or address?

67-427ci

His website is http://www.corvettesteering.com/index.html.

Phone number: (864) 287-9990

Roy

MikeM

That rebuilt job looks pretty good. I wouldn't use the bolt together, do-it-yourself kit. That looks pretty shaky.

If your flanges on the coupler are 90* apart and there is no play in the flex coupling when you move the steering wheel, it should go for a long time.

I still have originals on my '63 and '65 and they look good and no play.

ragtopman

Thanks and right on, he's not that far away.

brucep

thanks all. I guess mine is still good to go.

Blk63Vette

Hi

I was driving my Corvette last weekend and noticed that the steerring was very "loose" as I pulled my Vette into the warehouse I looked at the rag joint and noticed that it had almost completely torn apart. Top part was easily seperated from bottom part.

I know through previous posting from John Z and others they reccomend Corvette Steering. I think it was mentioned they do the service for 80 bucks and some change. I went on their jobsite and its now $135.00 dollars!!!!

I dont want to "scrimp" on a rebuild but....I was wondering why the dramatic prices increase???

Thanks
Pete

Larry Bittner

A couple of years ago I replaced the steering column with a Flaming River tile with everything new. They also have a U joint replacement for the rag that provides much more precise steering.

66BlkBB

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I would think that if you are going to drive the car, this would be the way to go. Just keep the old rag joint in case the next owner is worried about making it original.

Steve