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'68 DeVille Centre Drag Link replacement / rebuild

Started by rustytractor, March 30, 2015, 04:05:37 AM

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rustytractor

March 30, 2015, 04:05:37 AM
Does anyone know if it's possible to buy replacement joints/a rebuild kit for a '68 Centre drag link ?

I've seen complete reproduction units sold by Caddy Daddy and various other sources in the US but the shipping and import duty on these items to come to England is a bit high and I'l like to keep the original bar if possible.
Too many cars - too little time !!

Scot Minesinger

#1
March 30, 2015, 11:03:05 AM
Rebuilt units are sold in the US, so the rebuild kit should be available at a fraction of the cost of the entire link shipping cost.
Fairfax Station, VA  22039 (Washington DC Sub)
1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
1970 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1970 four door Convertible w/Cadillac Warranty

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

#2
March 30, 2015, 11:06:50 AM
Russel,
I believe the joints you are talking about is the ones where the Pitman arm and the idler arm attach to the center link.
A while back I tried to find a suspension repair facility that might be able to replace these joints on one of my cars, but even trying commercial vehicle repair shops (which I suggest you might try) I was not successful, so I went to Rare Parts,

http://shop.rareparts.com/smtp/shopdisplaycategories.asp?iyear=1968&imake=0008|CADILLAC&imodel=0127|DEVILLE&iproduct=0049|STEERING,%20GEAR,%20PUMP%20&%20COMPONENTS

and was happy with the results.   I would try truck and commercial repair  "stations", and if you don't meet with success you will probably have to bite the bullet.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-

DeVille68

#3
March 30, 2015, 03:56:36 PM
I am just in the process of replacing / refreshing my steering linkage too (also 68 - check out my restoration blog here in the forum).

I bought the central link and the two inner tie rod ends from rareparts. They look very very nice. Ball joints are tight and firm. Good quality machining work.
I do not yet know how they ride / steer - but I expect the best.

I just painted my pieces all POR-15 sating black. Next weekend they will be mounted to the frame and pitman arm again! :-)

Here are some new vs. old pictures (old maybe original? Can some one tell?)
and with fresh paint! :-)

Best regards,
Nicolas
1968 Cadillac DeVille Convertible (silver pine green)

rustytractor

#4
March 30, 2015, 04:28:18 PM
Quote from: Scot Minesinger on March 30, 2015, 11:03:05 AM
Rebuilt units are sold in the US, so the rebuild kit should be available at a fraction of the cost of the entire link shipping cost.
Scot, I've looked for a rebuild kit but can't find one. Any idea where I can buy one ?
Too many cars - too little time !!
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