I have this copper "band" That goes from one of the pins to one of the bolts. What is that for?

 

Picture for clarification?

 

I'll get some pics when the sun comes up.

It's on the column side of the joint it looks like it would have to do with electrical but I don't see a purpose.

 

Here are a couple of pic's, bear with me my Camera is FUBAR.

 

I believe the copper piece on your rag joint is for helping the horn work - grounding the steering column to the frame. When working on them, they may break, so some use a short run of wire to make the connection.

 

Yes, the copper band allows for your horn to be grounded properly, i'm installing a new rag joint myself

 

That's what I was afraid of. I broke mine. Any way I can solder this together? It broke at its thinnest point (of course).

 

Don't worry about it. Just create you a short jumper wire to connect either side of the rag joint.
And to be honest, I broke it on one of my trucks and the horn still worked without the jumper. Later I replaced both rag joint units.
Most of the parts houses will carry this unit - either the replacement rubber part (about $10) or the whole assembly for less than $40.
Lares Steering Coupler 202: Advance Auto Parts

 

The Grounding strap flexes a very small amount you can make one from stranded copper wire.

Orich

 

So I can't solder this?

Thanks HCF, Orich, and others who helped.

If I can't solder it I'll follow y'alls advice.

 

1967/68 F100/350 uses a different steering coupler than 1969/72 F100/350.

 

Yeah sure you could solder it by bridging small strands the width across the break, but how long will it last until it has to be replace.

I'd look for some kind of braided copper/cable to eye loop terminal on each bolt end.

May be type of cable that is used for hood to body grounding or engine to body grounding if braided.
my.02
Orich

 

Hey there! These are plentiful in the salvage yards and would probably cost you about $5 which is what it cost me. A lot simpler and cleaner than jerry rigging one up with wire in my opinion...Al

 

A quick check at my local Autozone and they have them for $5.99

 

I believe I am going to do just that. Thanks Orich. g

I'm going to take the two ends and fold each over the ends of the braided wire, and solder.

Whaddaya' think?