Topic: Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve Hardware

[Twilight65]

I'm just finishing my tie rod assemblies for my July 65 coupe. I want to make sure I get the correct nuts and bolts for the adjusting sleeve. I have a picture below of two that I have. One is a 3/8" x 1 3/4" bolt with nut. The nut has a nylon plug for locking. It has "TR" on the head of the bolt. The other is a 5/16" x 1 1/2" bolt with a crimped lock nut. It has a "RSC" on the head of the bolt. Can anyone tell me which one is correct. I believe the "TR" but not sure.

Thanks,
Dave

[67gta289]

Dave,

For what it's worth, my 67 (different year, I know) has "RSC" bolts, 5/16-24 (fine thread) x about 1-1/2" in length.  They are original. The corresponding nuts have the square indentation with red nylon insert.

Would the 3/8" bolt even fit through the clamp holes?

John

[Twilight65]

Hey John,
The 3/8" fits thru just fine, here's another picture of the original tie rod(bent) and sleeve with bolts in hole. The 5/16"  looks to sloppy.
Dave

[Twilight65]

OK you got me looking a little more closely. On what I believe to be my original tie rod sleeves, the clamps look like they are for a 3/8" bolt. I purchased another sleeve to replace the bent one. Now I see the clamps that came with it are for a 5/16" bolt. I just need to figure out which is correct for my car.
Dave

[CharlesTurner]

The one with the fine thread is correct.  The other may be from a 6 cyl. or maybe a service replacement (or even an aftermarket replacement.)

[Skyway65]

So who makes the most authentic reproduction adjusting sleeve? I've seen many recently that aren't even close to the originals. (I'm talking about a '65, 6 cyl with manual steering)

[CharlesTurner]

Not sure on the repro's, but NOS ones seem to come up fairly often on ebay.  You might check with some of the obsolete parts dealers.

[Skyway65]

I've been watching ebay and have an email into Greensales.  Also checking on some clean used ones.  Another search...

[JKWilson]

Crud Gary! I bought an NOS set off Ebay last summer. I thought they were V8 units. After winning I discovered they were 6 cyl pieces. I didn't pay a whole lot for them. As such I GAVE them away to a friend that's restoring his car. The rub is, he isn't going back stock and doesn't plan to build it for show.  I sure would have given them to you!!   They do pop up for a very reasonable price. I'll keep an eye open for some more for ya.

[Skyway65]

Well, isn't that an interesting story?  It seems that everyone needs V8 parts so the 6 cyl stuff is either real cheap OR impossible to find.  Thanks for the note.  If those pieces are available, let me know.  I'll put them to good use.