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My new coupler did not have the ground strap built in, and there was no way to get the old one off so I had to get creative. Took a 1/4 inch copper coupler and hacksawed it open. Then I filed the groove with a triangle and a flat file until I could close it up again at the OD of the smaller pin on the coupler. Soldered a wire to the copper and tacked the top of the slot closed. Put a ring lug on the other end of the wire to go to the bolt. Put a dab of dielectric grease in the end that goes on the pin first. Tapped it on the pin and mounted the ring lug. Easy-peasy. Now I can get the nose on this weekend.
Lol! Thanks guys. I had no idea there would be so much interest. When I went looking for a coupler, I found mine on Rockauto, but quickly noticed it did not have the ground strap once it arrived. Searching for a coupler with a GS gets you the VW version. That probably does not fit, and I didn't want to try. So to do it right, I wanted to go with an internal tooth ring lug for the pin. Looked that up and couldn't find one for 5/16 which is the stud size on my coupler. Other couplers may have different sizes, so I guess the best way is the slotted sleeve. I just ordered a set of collets for my mill, so knocking these things out should not take as much time as the original. Send me a PM if you need one. Should just be a couple bucks plus mailing.
We just need to find someone with a small laser, some copper sheeting and have them cut out and then just bend the tab and clamp it to the bolt. That's all the original was. I need something for my '64 Galaxie 2dr. The ring is broke on it and the horn doesn't work. I've never really delved into fixing it. That looks like a pretty easy solution. Guess I need to add it to the "to do" list.
Interesting. I hadn't thought of the laser/water jet route. On the original (mine at least), the smaller pin had a cap on it that made it the same size as the other pin (once assembled) and captures the ring on that side. Then the other side was under the nut to complete the path. It is originally a piece of steel. I will check the thickness when I get home. I know a local water jet place with a reasonable setup charge. Probably 1/2 inch by 4 inches for the basic size without interleaving. Out of a 12x12 inch panel, you could knock out 72 of these puppies.
Maybe mine was steel? It's been a few years since I had it apart and checked its condition. I had thought it was full round with tabs? Maybe not, like I say it's been a few years. I could check my '64 wagon as it's sitting with easy access right now. I would think it's the same as my '69 F100?
Just did a quick google and found this for corvettes:
Looks all the same to me.
Mine came assembled with the lower splined piece all staked together so you just bolt the yoke from the steering shaft on and done. The smaller pin is on the left in the pic. I suppose when I had it out I could have soldered the wire to the flange under the pin and not had the sleeve at all.
In years past I always have bought the Autozone "help" version that is just the rubber piece and bolts. I was surprised to see the Vette version with that ground strap. Not sure why they don't offer that in any of the kits?
