Topic: steering column coupler
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
Lifetime MemberOK, while looking over everything in the engine bay again and trying to get my final (HA,HA) parts list together, I noticed the steering column coupler: 
Here are the parts I'm going to order, am I on the right track?
I'm not going to touch the steering box itself - steering is nice and tight. How dangerous is this setup as it is? Was it an accident waiting to happen?
From corvettecentral.com:
Steering column shaft flange - part # 562023
Steering column coupler - part # 563065
12 point bolts (2) - 562073
I haven't looked at the manuals yet to see how bad this will be to fix. Anyone done it before? Is it too bad (just give me a beer scale 
)?
It's called a "rag joint" and it will never fail completely an make you crash. If the flexible bit (which obviously needs replacing) was to fail, the two pins (one can be seen) will connect the two halves of the steering column and allow you to steer. It will be very sloppy but not put you out of control.
All you need is the flexible "rag joint" to fix it. It looks like all the other parts are salvageable.
I replaced mine a few yrs ago, but also replaced the steering column . You may have to loosen the column under the dash and slide back an inch or so to get the new rag joint in.
Alan
John,
That's the right coupler. Unfortunately my '68 requires the other coupler that goes for $94.
You should be able to clean up the flange with a wire wheel, it's all metal. As for the bolts, they can be re-used also, but they're cheap enough to replace.
Good luck,
Anthony
Anthony - thanks!
So after searching for rag joint on Ecklers, I get this : http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf%5Fid=26733&dept%5F id=1840
Will this do it? Sorry for the uncertainty, just trying to get the right stuff without replacing good parts. 
John,
Don't get that one, you have to disassemble the old one (P.I.T.A.) & use thise parts. Usually in doing this, the ground to the horn will fall apart. Stick with CC# 563065, it's a direct install.
1967 to early 1969 use a rag joint with a round shaft, while late 1969 to 1981 use one that has a round shaft with a flat side.
You can still get one for your car from a local Chevy Dealer, it is part number #7818568 Group 6.625.
Good luck,
Anthony
I'd be going with the Ecklers kit. Then you know you have the right flanges. A horn wire is not too hard to manufacture if the old one falls apart. After all it's just a wire that electrically connects the two halves of the column together because the rag joint is an insulator. Believe me, you won't break the flanges. If you do then you need to re-think restoring your car yourself.
Have fun.
