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Rag Joint from Riks Corvette parts?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,353
Likes: 18
From: Dallas Texas
Rag Joint from Riks Corvette parts?
Has anyone used the STEERING COUPLING FLANGE REPAIR KIT from Riks ?
is it any good...have the original rag joint, looks like my flange just needs replaced !
is it any good...have the original rag joint, looks like my flange just needs replaced !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
No experience with their repair kit. I purchased a new one (GM) from my local Chevy dealer. Not that expensive and seemed easier to me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Most of the rebuild kits are junk. You are better off (and safer) buying an OEM steering coupler (rag joint). This is not a part to economize on. Scroll down to the steering coupler articles and do a little reading. http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?page_id=4. There is also a great how-to article on removal and repacement.
The GM part number is 7818568. Still available through your local GM dealer or from a number of supporting vendors on this website or from GM Parts Direct. Do a search, you should be able to find one for between 80 and 100 dollars depending on the supplier.
The GM part number is 7818568. Still available through your local GM dealer or from a number of supporting vendors on this website or from GM Parts Direct. Do a search, you should be able to find one for between 80 and 100 dollars depending on the supplier.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here is an address for a word document as to my concerns about rebuild kits.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...srev05jl07.doc
Jim
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...srev05jl07.doc
Jim
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
I just ordered a rag joint repair kit from Willcox last weekend, and it should be here in a couple days. No experience with them yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 671
From: Northeast
Thanks Jim, I previously downloaded and printed your articles 
I think the OP and myself would like to hear from owners who did use the kit. You state in your article you can use the kit just use the original bolts, etc.
Anyone try the kit the op asks about? what has been the result? Has it come apart?
I think the OP and myself would like to hear from owners who did use the kit. You state in your article you can use the kit just use the original bolts, etc.
Anyone try the kit the op asks about? what has been the result? Has it come apart?
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Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
From: Gilroy CA
RockAuto appears to have the part as well. For 17bucks I just ordered one for my 67. If you google Lars 202 which is the part number you should get to an Adavance Auto parts page with reviews... Just an option that appears better than the rebuild kit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Rik's repair kit is the laminated rubber coupling, new attaching and locking bolts/nuts/lockwashers for $12. I've bought a lot of stuff from Rik's and don't think he would knowingly sell any junk. It may be the same rubber coupling as GM sells...who knows? If you don't need to replace any of the 'hard' components, why not?
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
From: Gilroy CA
Should have been more clear... By better I mean that it comes as a complete unit with what appears to be the stock type rivits, etc. Saves me the hassle for for a few extra bucks = better in my book 
I have no reason to believe it is better or worse than the rubber rebuild kit. Just another option...
I have no reason to believe it is better or worse than the rubber rebuild kit. Just another option...
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,853
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
They are not that hard to install, not 100 percent correct but compared to the entire joint a cheaper alternative. The bolts and rivets are a pain.
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jun 15, 2011 at 09:57 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
