delta88_frankfurt

Hi everybody,

I need to replace the joints on the center link (relay rod, drag link) of my 1966 Delta 88. It seems impossible to find information or a source for the right parts.
I don't need a complete center link, I have access to the appropriate tools.

Thank you all in advance.

oldcutlass

I have never seen the joints sold individually, usually the center link is replaced as a unit.

Octania

That is a permanent assembly. It is not serviceable. If you have equipment that can unfold the crimped steel end and then re-form it with new parts inside, without damage, I would love to see that.

The ends cannot be unscrewed like the tie rods.
I have heard tell of fix-it kits that cobble a new end on. One could always weld a new end on I guess. It's "only" a steering part for a massive missile of a car. The new end would have to have the exact right taper of course to match the rest of the car.

Speaking of which, there are two types of 65-70 center link. The internet can probably help you determine which you have.

S = Saginaw, often stamped with the "S" logo if you look closely

T = Thompson.

One has a pronounced grease fitting nipple shape.

Their tapers differ and DO NOT interchange.

You may be able to discern which you need by what size drill passes thru the mating hole. Accurate measuring of the small end of the taper is the other common way.

aha
http://fcrcmachine.com/i-14216102-ra...-88-25789.html

"Center Links Include New(When Required): Castle Nuts, Zerk Fitting, Cotter Pins
Rare Parts #25789 or RP25789
NOTE: Alternate Design: Measure the small diameter of the Center Link stud that attaches to the Pitman Arm. Alternate Design = .556" "


Size the rod by use of a wrench!
Supercars Unltd - a great Olds vendor




I have an example of one of each in the garage. Serviceable used parts. Not new but good enough to drive with. Last time I checked they were available for "only" $200 each or so, and every single place quoted the exact same price to within a penny. Either price fixing or the free enterprise system at its finest, driving the price as low as suppliers can tolerate.

Here is a Google search $30 one
oh, just not for your car
http://www.carid.com/mevotech/front-...wGcaAvrX8P8HAQ

here you go, only $200 or so, just like 15 yrs ago
http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=C...-88-25789.html

Or, Kanter
where you can enter "Oldsmobile" on the web site... but not your year of vehicle.

google the part # to find more

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=link+25789

MDchanic

Oh yes you do.

As the others have said, these do wear out, and are tough to find.

Last one I bought was in about 1995, was the last one that the distributor had, and cost me about $150, back then.

Scrounge up whatever you can, and be glad that you found it.

- Eric

ps: excellent summary, Chris!

Octania

But wait, there's more!

NOW how much would you pay?

[above humor may be lost on folks in Europe]

I easily found my old photos of the differences.
Right there under General Info/ Center Links!
Bonus, I found the lost folder of Carb Choke Linkage pieces also! Put that in with Carbs info where it belongs.

Evidently photos were in the Mavica camera era- and blurry. Oh, and "xxx.c0m" is NOT my site, and never has been, but I was helped out by Bryceman and so tended to help spread news of his site when possible. Looking at it now, it looks like Rocket Science = 442.c0m, but that is NOT THE CASE. If anyone objects I will remove the xxx.c0m reference and maybe even take new better photos.

PS those exact two parts are still hanging in the garage. 12+ years later- photos are from 9/15/2002

MDchanic

Oooooh... Mavica.

An early attempt to add extra failure-prone moving parts to an essentially failure-proof system.

- Eric

Octania

I still have that camera somewhere
Hey, it writes on readily available [snort] 3.5" floppies
Fits almost TWENTY of the small photos on ONE DISK!

delta88_frankfurt

Chris and Eric,
many thanks for your elaborate answers.
They were a helpful confirmation - and I got the humor.

I thought maybe someone somewhere services these things, maybe with another joint and a bushing otl. or theres a known interchangeable external product.

I am constantly searching the internet for a new or good used part,
but as you wrote they hardly turn up, especially on "international" sources,
and if so, you can't tell the true quality.

Understand the frustration of paying price, international postage and taxes for a bad item.

As you said, "It's "only" a steering part for a massive missile of a car",
so I am looking for "new" and zero clearance in the first place.

André

MDchanic

Keep looking, André. These parts are out there, and one will turn up.

I have never heard of anyone refurbishing these parts, but it is technically possible, so there may be someone who does, or someone who will in the future.

Be sure to post a Parts Wanted ad here, and bump it up every now and then, so that people see it (even though that is technically against the rules), and one may show up.

I would also send messages to 2blu442 and OldsPackrat, as either one may have one, but also both of them are constantly finding new cars and parts, and if they are looking as well, it can only help you.

Good luck!

- Eric

Octania

So, they have the TV ads also in Europe, "but wait, there's MORE..." ?

If you cannot find a company that offers this part shipped to Europe [one of my links is missing, and this site appeared to maliciously change my "442.c0m" unless I use a zero for an oh...], one of us can order it and then forward it to you.

Use that last link in my post and several vendors should pop up.