Topic: OEM '69 Rag Joint was Plastic, not Rubber? Best Option for Replacement?

[drummingrocks]

I recently ran into an issue with my '69 Mach 1, where I had a pronounced bump in the steering wheel.  It happened as the steering wheel returned to center.  I checked, and the rag joint had separated.  I remember buying a reproduction rag joint back in 2010 when I first restored the car, and it looked so cheap and flimsy that I reused the original joint the car came with.

Now, I'm wondering if what I had on the car was the original.  Most of the used and replacement/repro rag joints I'm seeing use a rubber disc, but the one on my car was white plastic.  When it broke, the plastic disc basically shattered into several pieces, which led to the bumping feel I noticed in the steering wheel.

I have two questions: Could that possibly have been the OEM rag joint for the car (it's a fixed-column car, not a tilt)?  And what are my options for a good quality replacement?

[Brian Conway]

Not familiar with that particular model.  The one on my car has no plastic and the one sold by NPD, 3A525-20F, doesn't appear to have any plastic in it ?  Brian

[1967 eight barrel]

The Ford replacement "rag" joint wasn't a layered rubber anymore in the 80-90's, it was replaced by a plastic joint with a metal guard.
The design of the joint I bought was different, but it was a natural translucent plastic/nylon color.

                                                                                                              -Keith

[J_Speegle]

As far as what to replace it with- I've not had recent experience so can't comment as to what is currently available or how close any reproduction is (if that is an option) to original but thought that at least a picture would move you towards a solution

[Bob Gaines]

I recently ran into an issue with my '69 Mach 1, where I had a pronounced bump in the steering wheel.  It happened as the steering wheel returned to center.  I checked, and the rag joint had separated.  I remember buying a reproduction rag joint back in 2010 when I first restored the car, and it looked so cheap and flimsy that I reused the original joint the car came with.

Now, I'm wondering if what I had on the car was the original.  Most of the used and replacement/repro rag joints I'm seeing use a rubber disc, but the one on my car was white plastic.  When it broke, the plastic disc basically shattered into several pieces, which led to the bumping feel I noticed in the steering wheel.

I have two questions: Could that possibly have been the OEM rag joint for the car (it's a fixed-column car, not a tilt)?  And what are my options for a good quality replacement?

That is not original to the car. I have seen black poly hard plastic replacements before but originals in good to excellent condition are common enough that it is not worth the hassle IMO. If you can't find one on Ebay . I just cleaned up a excellent one that I would let you have at economical price given your predicament. PM me if interested.

[Bob Gaines]

A Ebay search under "Mustang rag joint" turns up a range of prices from 23.00 -over 100.00. Plenty to choose from.

[drummingrocks]

That is not original to the car. I have seen black poly hard plastic replacements before but originals in good to excellent condition are common enough that it is not worth the hassle IMO. If you can't find one on Ebay . I just cleaned up a excellent one that I would let you have at economical price given your predicament. PM me if interested.

Thanks, Bob.  I'm on a time crunch--I have the car sold pending this steering column repair.  If I can't find a replacement locally, I'll PM you--thanks again for the offer.

[drummingrocks]

That is not original to the car. I have seen black poly hard plastic replacements before but originals in good to excellent condition are common enough that it is not worth the hassle IMO. If you can't find one on Ebay . I just cleaned up a excellent one that I would let you have at economical price given your predicament. PM me if interested.

Bob, PM sent.