[1966Lemans]

I was thinking of just taking apart my current rag joint (66 Lemans, power steering) and just replacing the reinforced rubber disk with one from the HELP! section of the auto parts store, but I was wondering how "universal" those disks really are? I don't necessarily want to rip it apart only to find the HELP! disk doesn't fit. Any advice? Thanks!
--- Jay

[GT182]

Jay, is it even possible to take one apart and make the change. I was going to try that years ago on my Formula Firebird and was told it wasn't possible, I'd have to buy the complete rag joint. Check very closely to make sure.

[Engine-Ear]

Although it's been 25 years, I successfully subbed in the HELP! donut and reused most of the hardware. I do recall having to make a couple of minor mods. Sorry, not sure if this was of any help (so to speak)...

Can you post pics of the old and the HELP! product?

[1966Lemans]

Actually, I don't know if it's possible. After reading a lot of posts on this subject, it "seems" like it might be, but maybe not. I was hoping someone would know.

[Jeff Hamlin]

Its possible, you need to locate a Replacement Rubber Rag Joint Disk.
Some come with universal pins/bolts, but you can re-use the oem.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/d...1002/9111115-P

[Engine-Ear]

Jeff, I got the impression that 1966Lemans DID find a new one.

[geeteeohguy]

I used a HELP rag joint about 25 years ago and it worked fine. Used threaded bolts instead of the rivets. I ended up removing it when the rubber failed after about 20 years and installed a mint used one I found on a wrecked car in the junkyard.

[Jeff Hamlin]

The one I posted came up as Correct/Fits 66 Pontiac Tempest.
I don't know if the Dorman/HELP disc have a reference chart, but would think so.

[1966Lemans]

I think the one Jeff linked to is the one I was looking at when I was at Advance. Was just wondering how "universal" it was. Ames sells a replacement rag joint for my application ($39), but PY doesn't list one. I thought I'd take a shot at just replacing the disk.
--- Jay

[Engine-Ear]

Do it!

[importsmasher]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

I used a HELP rag joint about 25 years ago and it worked fine. Used threaded bolts instead of the rivets. I ended up removing it when the rubber failed after about 20 years and installed a mint used one I found on a wrecked car in the junkyard.

^^^^ this...

I have done this on probably half a dozen cars over the years. Works just fine, unless you want it to look concours.....

Importsmasher

[gtospieg]

I bought a replacement(new) rag joint at advance or auto zone and it was cheaper than the catalogs and in stock....

[charles bledsoe]

Originally Posted by gtospieg

I bought a replacement(new) rag joint at advance or auto zone and it was cheaper than the catalogs and in stock....

Who was the manufacture, and what was the cost?
Thanks

[Engine-Ear]

Originally Posted by charles bledsoe

Who was the manufacture, and what was the cost?
Thanks

Charles:

http://www.finddormanhelp.com/Search...ring%20coupler

[gtospieg]

Charles, The rag joint came from Advance part #LAR 18340126 it was actually for a 1975 Lemans (I believe they are the same across many years) it fit my 67 GTO, cost was $32.10 with tax in 2010

[charles bledsoe]

Thanks Engine-Ear/gtospieg.....good info, I didn't know these could be purchased at the local auto parts houses.

[gtospieg]

While I support the various restoration parts suppliers (PY, Ames, etc.), and am thankful that they exist to serve our hobby, I don't blindly order without checking local parts stores for some of the more common replacement parts. This can and has saved me money on several occasions.

[GT182]

Originally Posted by gtospieg

While I support the various restoration parts suppliers (PY, Ames, etc.), and am thankful that they exist to serve our hobby, I don't blindly order without checking local parts stores for some of the more common replacement parts. This can and has saved me money on several occasions.

Same with cage nuts and various other parts that can be had at Home Depot, Lowes, and Sears Hardware. And some of these are more correct that what we can get out of the parts catalogs.