Am in the process of putting in the steering column, I have a repair kit from Corvette Central that has 2 bolts and 2 locking pins. How do you get the old pins/rivets out of the steering column and can you use the old pins/rivets or have to use the new BOLTS? that are supplied? Which way would the bolts face, towards the front or the driver? What is the copper gound? wire for? What is the difference in the smaller locking pin and the larger one? Thanks!
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1964 "Rag Joint"
Bob:
The part you are referring to is the steering coupler, better known as the "rag joint". This part helps to absorb road shock, and has probably prevented many broken wrists over the years.
To answer some of your questions:
1. The copper strap is needed to complete the circuit to the horn button.
2. The original rivet/pin units must be ground or drilled out, and are not reusable.
3. The rebuild kits provide a functional replacement--but not "correct", because nuts/bolts/lockwashers are used in place of the rivets.
4. Complete and "correct" units are available from L.I. Corvette Supply, Dr.Rebuild, and others, but be prepared to fork over $$$$ (in the range of $125, I think).
I managed to create my own rivets, and used some of the parts in the kit to rebuild my rag joint, as new. The judicious use of heat will facilitate the installation of the rivets.
Joe -
Rag Joint--Addendum
The pins serve to limit the torsional deflection of the joint. If you look at your coupler (if it is still intact), you will see that there are two semicircular cutouts in each of the steel "flanges". The larger pin corresponds with the larger cutout, the smaller pin, the smaller cutout.
Make sure that you carefully document the configuration of the coupler before disassembly. Also, be careful with the copper strap--it is fragile; make sure to assemble the unit with the strap contacting both flanges, otherwise you will have no horn, and you will have to drive with the window open, and yell "get the #@$%*&## out of the way!".
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