Relay Rod 1967

[David P.]

Hello Again,

While crawling under my latest aquisition (1967 327 coupe) I discovered that it looks like the relay rod is bent. The LH inner tie rod end has rubbed against the lower control arm and broke the grease nipple off the tie rod end. There are tell-tail marks on the relay rod that lead me to believe that perhaps a tow hook was tightened up on the relay rod. I do not see any other signs of damage in the frame or the control arms.

I was hoping the collective experts could provide an opinion for replacement. Existing relay rod is 5 hole style (car does not have PS). I see that there are newr versions, thicker versions, big block versions, 3-hole versions, etc.

What would you recommend? Find a used GM original exactly like what I have? New manufacture replacement? Upgrade to larger diameter/big block? Etc.

Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

DAP

[Wayne M.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

.. I discovered that it looks like the relay rod is bent. ...Existing relay rod is 5 hole style (car does not have PS). I see that there are newer versions, thicker versions, big block versions, 3-hole versions, etc. .....What would you recommend? Find a used GM original exactly like what I have? New manufacture replacement? Upgrade to larger diameter/big block? Etc......

David -- My choice would be find used original 5-hole (3/4" dia) for your manual steering. There is no difference for small or big block. The larger diameter 3-hole rod was introduced in 1969 (if I figure correctly) and became the '63-68 service replacement for the 5-hole manual steering relay rod by 5-69.

[Joe L.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

David -- My choice would be find used original 5-hole (3/4" dia) for your manual steering. There is no difference for small or big block. The larger diameter 3-hole rod was introduced in 1969 (if I figure correctly) and became the '63-68 service replacement for the 5-hole manual steering relay rod by 5-69.

Wayne------


Yes, 7/8" relay rods for both manual and power steering were first used for the 1969 model year. In addition to the use of the 69+ rods for SERVICE of 63-68 power steering and 65-68 big blocks, there may well have been another SERVICE-only, 7/8" rod available for 63-68 manual steering applications. This rod was GM #3955521. However, I've never been able to confirm its configuration.

[David P.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

Thanks for the answers thus far, that helps.
DAP

[Joe R.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

I think I would find someone with an original small diameter relay rod and compare it with what you have.
I doubt seriously that the relay rod is bent. It's not just any piece of steel. It is one of the hardest pieces of steel you will find in any Corvette and it has many curves and bends forged in that rod.
Check it out and let us know what you find.

JR

[David P.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

JR,

I am taking pictures and comparing to others. But something is bent as the left front inner tie rod end is hitting the control arm. The grease nipple was ripped off. On the RH side there is like 1 inch of clearance to the control arm.
I will post pics if possible.

By the way, tow truck winches are very powerful. I had a car towed once, long ago and the driver put the j-hooks right on the lower control arm. In this case the control arm itself bent! Wasn't a Chevy though.

Thanks.

DAP

[Joe L.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

JR,

I am taking pictures and comparing to others. But something is bent as the left front inner tie rod end is hitting the control arm. The grease nipple was ripped off. On the RH side there is like 1 inch of clearance to the control arm.
I will post pics if possible.

By the way, tow truck winches are very powerful. I had a car towed once, long ago and the driver put the j-hooks right on the lower control arm. In this case the control arm itself bent! Wasn't a Chevy though.

Thanks.

DAP

David------


One thing to keep in mind: GM did not revise the rod OD from 3/4" to 7/8" because there was never a problem with the 3/4" rod. The change from 3/4" to 7/8" strongly implies that, for some reason, they considered that more rigidity was needed. What do you suppose that reason was?

[Timothy B.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

David,

Go into archives for a picture of the frame checking dimensions and get a tape to see if the frame is twisted or diamond. If one side is out 1" and the other is touching the problem should be obvious.

There is a tram gauge for this but the tape measure should tell you the story with the frame.

[David P.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

Timothy,

I checked the archives and there is a thread on '67 frame dimensions, but the link to the chart is dead. Can you point me to where I could find the dimensions?

As I said before, I don't see any obvious indications of frame damage, but I would like to eliminate that before I start replacing items.

Thanks

DAP

[Timothy B.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

David,

I can't upload the frame picture with the dimensions, if you send me your email address I will be happy to send it along. Someone else may read this and post the picture for you. Cross check the frame, there is discussion in the archives that will help you from other members more experienced then me.

I have a five hole relay rod I can take some pictures of if that helps but if one side is out 1" and the other breaks the grease fitting it should be obvious if it's bent. I hope that's the problem but find out NOW before you go further so you know what route to persue.

[David P.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

Thanks Tim,
I sent you an email with my email address in it.

Sincerely,
DAP

[John H.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

I checked the archives and there is a thread on '67 frame dimensions, but the link to the chart is dead. Can you point me to where I could find the dimensions?

David -

You might try the Corvette Frame Dimensions chart in the "Frame" section of the '67 Chassis Service Manual on page 2-4.

[David P.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

Hi John,

Unfortunately, I don't have my Chassis Service Manual yet. I ordered it in late January, but apparantly it got lost in the mail. Won't have for 7-10 days.

Thank you.

And thanks to all for all the suggestions so far. I have done some research on the rods and have learned agreat deal in the past few days.

Regards,

DAP

[David P.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

I just realized I have a '69 Chassis Manual. That has the Corvette frame dimensions in it.

Would a '67 Corvette have the same frame dimensions as a '69?

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: Relay Rod 1967

I just realized I have a '69 Chassis Manual. That has the Corvette frame dimensions in it.

Would a '67 Corvette have the same frame dimensions as a '69?

Thanks

David-----


Some dimensions will be different (e.g. body mounts, frame horns, etc.). However, I believe that all of the dimensions relative to your interests will be the same.