rag joint for '63 Riv

[Guest Riv63]

Are there any sources for rag joints for '63 Rivs? Thanks

[tim63riv]

Riv63,

I have seen rag joint repair kits on ebay from time to time. This isn't a Riviera specific part, so you might try expanding your search to all fullsize GM products fro 63 to 65. If I do come across a source, I'll let you know. One place that I would check with is Lares Co. in Minnesota, they remanufacture steering gears, might make sense that the also have what attaches them to the column!

Good Hunting!

Tim

[RivNut]

Open Google and search for steering joints. There are a lot of companies out there who are making universal universal joints to replace rag joints.

[Guest Riv63]

Thanks, Tim and Ed. I checked with Lares and they did have a rag joint coupler, universal for GM '59-'76 which I could buy through Advance Auto. I bought the coupler and found it to be the same one my mechanic used on his '70 Cutlass. As for the Riviera, it was a no go. Seems the Riv coupler is unique with is cone-shaped end. So I will keep looking and keep the forum posted.

[Sleep]

On 7/13/2007 at 11:37 AM, RivNut said:

Open Google and search for steering joints. There are a lot of companies out there who are making universal universal joints to replace rag joints.

I know this is a fairly archaic post, but I was wondering what your opinion was RivNut. I got a new rag joint from Lares for my 63. I haven't touched it yet. Would you replace the rag joint or convert to a U Joint? I'm not going for original, I'm going for a driver.

[RivNut]

In my humble opinion, if you're not into competition, it would be much easier to just replace what's already there. Others may have differing opinions, eh?

[60FlatTop]

There are safety pins that keep control if the rag joint should fail. I replaced mine about 20 years ago. So it is not 50 years old. I wonder how many 50 year old ones are still out there.

Some might be surprised at how well theirs have held up.

 

Original design is fine.

Bernie

[Zimm63]

My 63 is still original, best I can tell.  Got a new one from CARS but haven't installed it yet.

 

 

[Sleep]

Thanks RivNut. I'll keep what has been working for 54-55 years. It's pretty much just the metal coupler in there. Not much bushing material left. Glad to hear there are safety pins!

[slosteve]

23 hours ago, Sleep said:

 Would you replace the rag joint or convert to a U Joint? 

 

The rag joint reduces vibration & other 'road feel' anomalies in the shaft/steering wheel. A common u-joint will transfer them. My experience.  

 

Steve

[1965rivgs]

On 9/6/2017 at 10:19 PM, slosteve said:

 

The rag joint reduces vibration & other 'road feel' anomalies in the shaft/steering wheel. A common u-joint will transfer them. My experience.  

 

Steve

Ditto

  Tom