How to remove rivets from rag joint?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
How to remove rivets from rag joint?
I want to replace my rag joint, but I am not sure what tool to use to cut the original rivets that hold it in place. There is not much room to work in the first place. I have tried to see if I can get my dremel tool in there, but it would be very hard to get the angle needed to cut the rivet. Any suggestions on this one?
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Re: How to remove rivets from rag joint? (Jim73)
You may want to consider purchasing GM part no. 7818568. This the
complete lower coupling assembly. It lists for
$64 but can often be purchased for less. It comes complete so no
riveting is needed. It does not include the bolt that secures it to the
wormshaft of the steering box. This bolt is also available from GM as
part no. 7807271. Have heard that the universal couplers do not
hold up.
complete lower coupling assembly. It lists for
$64 but can often be purchased for less. It comes complete so no
riveting is needed. It does not include the bolt that secures it to the
wormshaft of the steering box. This bolt is also available from GM as
part no. 7807271. Have heard that the universal couplers do not
hold up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: How to remove rivets from rag joint? (mark79,80)
I agree with the above.
You will also note that the rubber coupling disc is composed of a lamination of rubber and fabric. If you look closely at the edge of the rubber disc on your current flexible coupling, you should be able to see the edges of about 7 layers of fabric with a thin layer of rubber in between each one. The rubber disc on regular GM passenger cars from that era only had 4 layers of fabric. With 7 layers of fabric the coupling disc is much stiffer and therefore promotes good, precise steering response. I believe that most flexible coupling rebuilding kits include a coupling disc with only 4 layers of cloth.
Also, since this device (the flexible coupling) steers the car, I really feel more comfortable with the part riveted together rather than bolted.
You will also note that the rubber coupling disc is composed of a lamination of rubber and fabric. If you look closely at the edge of the rubber disc on your current flexible coupling, you should be able to see the edges of about 7 layers of fabric with a thin layer of rubber in between each one. The rubber disc on regular GM passenger cars from that era only had 4 layers of fabric. With 7 layers of fabric the coupling disc is much stiffer and therefore promotes good, precise steering response. I believe that most flexible coupling rebuilding kits include a coupling disc with only 4 layers of cloth.
Also, since this device (the flexible coupling) steers the car, I really feel more comfortable with the part riveted together rather than bolted.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 0
From: Exiled Tampa Bay Misfit
Re: How to remove rivets from rag joint? (mark79,80)
I was looking at replacing mine as well and ZIP has the lower unit (pre-assembled with rag joint) for $50. (Part # ZSC-378 (69-82) and SC-#77 (67-69)) The bolts were $6.
Sean
Sean
