Let the questions begin!!! I need to replace the rag joint in my 62 C10. Got a very nice replacement from obscure chevy (sorry Robert, you dont seem to carry it!!). However, the stock rag joint is riveted to the intermediate shaft, rather than being bolted. THe new piece from obscure chevy uses bolts. So what to do? I was thinking to grind off the rivet heads of the old joint to remove it, then replace with new joint using bolts. I was thinking to peen over the threaded end of the bolt too to be certain it could not back off. Do you guys agree with this approach? Have you ever seen a situation where the joint is riveted on like this? It appears to be stock. The 1960 shop manual, however, shows the joint being held on with bolts. BUt a friend told me that the 1963 manual shows rivets. Still waiting for my 1962 supplement to see what they depict. Any advice/info would be appreciated.
I had a 62 I just sold and it was bolted on. But some one could have changed it over the years. Yea I would drill out the rivet and bolt the new one on. I probably would not peen the threads just use some good thread locker. Jeremy
Jeremy, Thanks for the reply. Yes, there is some controversy around the rivet vs. bolt on rag joint. Perhaps GM did both at different time in the production year. Given the amount of dirt and grime in the area, it looks like it came this was from the factory. THanks for the input. I Thought of using red lock tite too.
Just use a little blue lock-tite. If you are still concerned you can drill a small hole through the bolt and put a cotter key through it.
Actually got the 1962 supplement last night. Indeed, it says it in balck and white that in 1962, they lowere steering coupler (rag joint) is riveted to the intermediate shaft, rather than bolted. The manual goes on to say that to replace, cut or drill out rivets. Looks like the one on there is original. Nice to have the right manual!!!!
283 man, You certainly dont. I dont see too many 62's either, but when I do they are generally short bed stepsides. Love the long bed for it's looks and it's practical too! I use it all the time to bring stuff to the town dump, etc. That's how I justified buying it to my wife...."But honey, If we get the truck, I can clean the yard up and bring lots of stuff to the dump."" Ha!!
I guess it never occured to me that yours is a Stepside long wheel base. As is my '65. I've had several offers to sell my truck, and its always been "And its a STEPSIDE TOO!" I don't think they realize how long the bed is because I set an aluminum treadplate tool chest in the back which contains my gas tank.
Yes, I have had similar experiences. People seem to dig the Long Bed Stepside. About a month ago, a stranger wandered onto our property and was looking the truck over. It startled my wife, but I understood right away. I went out there and he was just interested in the truck. Turned out he had a 63 short bed step years ago. SOmething cool about the old stepsides. THey kinda remind me of a country gentleman. I see an old stepside and I think of old farmlands, sweat on the back of the neck after an honest days work, good old american apple pie.