68 Rag Joint - Rebuild

[Richard D.]

When rebuiding the rag joint on my car, the copper strap that's staddles 2 of the bolts in the assm. was broken in 2.

I understand it's purpose is to ensure proper circuit completion for horn operation, but I'm not positive of that.

I was also told that the replacement joint (from the rebuild kits offered by CC, MA, etc.) have a wire mesh incorporated into the rubber/material disc that negates the need for this copper stap.

Can anyone verify this, and if this is not true, where the copper stap can be purchased from.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Rich

[John H.]

Re: 68 Rag Joint - Rebuild

Rich -

As a safety issue, I wouldn't bother with the "rebuild kit" approach - they appear to be the same kits you find in blister packs in the "Help" section at auto parts stores, and they're a poor substitute for a correctly-made GM replacement rag joint assembly.

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Rag Joint - Rebuild

Thanks for your input John, I agree, my preference is for a GM part, if still avalable.

I got mine from CC, and after looking it over, it looked pretty decent. The rubber disk looks OK, as did the supplied hardware.

The main difference would be that the 2 pegs that go to one side of the completed assm. into the flange slots are bolted (originals are peened over). The other 2 pegs are bolted on the original. Would use good lock washers and loctite to reassemble.

Anyone out there install one and have a bad experience with it?

Thanks for any other inputs.

Regards,

Rich

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 Rag Joint - Rebuild

I used one. It was horrible. I vowed never to use a rebuild kit again, especially since it is a safety item. The bolts did not fit well, and I nver got it to work. For the price of a new one, I wasn't going to risk it.

Patrick

[Joe C.]

Re: 68 Rag Joint - Rebuild

Richard:

It sounds like you are not totally committed to an exact duplicate of the original. If your old "rag" is serviceable, then I would consider reusing it. The aftermarket "rags" are slightly thinner, and somewhat more flexible than the original ones. As far as the "ribbon" is concerned, you could probably make one, or you could install a "Bubba" ground strap from the engine block to the upper part of the column housing. Van Steel rebuilds couplers. You can either get a complete unit from him, or, he will probably be happy to sell you a new "ribbon".

Joe

[Richard D.]

Re: 68 Rag Joint - Rebuild

Thanks Joe for the advise.

I'll see if I can get the ribbon from VS.

Otherwise, it does not look to difficult to make it from some copper sheeting.

Regards,

Rich