On my 1961 Valiant there are two rubber boots. One covers the end of the
steering column tube that sticks into the engine compartment. The other
covers the top of the coupler to the steering box. Both are about the same
size 1 3/4 inches on the tube/coupler end and narrowing to 3/4 inch for
the shaft. Both disintegrated as I took the steering column apart - Does
anyone know if there are replacements available? Or have any creative
replacement part ideas?

The one on the bottom of the column can be replaced with the lid of a pringles can and lots of eletrical tape. If the seal is missing air blows in through the column and will work as a very good crotch cooler in the winter.

with one medium small lathe and no skin of your back you can line a heavy duty, long lasting delrin replacement.

_________________
Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.

If delrin replacements are easy to make someone should market them.

...methinks argentina-slantsixer has a Delrin fetish!

D/W

_________________

If it ain't broke, fix it!

For the boot at the top of the steering coupler Delrin would be too
stiff - since there is a slight angle between the shafts and the coupler
is acting like a u joint there needs to be give in the boot as the shaft
turns.

For the other boot at the end of the steering tube it would work well.
Since it only connects to the tube and the shaft spins freely inside it.
The lathe is prohibitively expensive in both money and garage space,
I may try two different size holes saws from opposite sides of the
material, then drill the center to the correct angle and size.

Has anyone tried using torsion bar boots? or cut down rack and pinion
boots?

Check out plumbing section at hardware store.
they have these rubber couplers that can be secure
with hose clamps.
They come in different sizes, and 2 different size
in one piece , 3" to 2".

i used this for my rear axle where the tube joins to the
main housing because small leak.

misa having a delrin fetish....

delrin works well, I have my top rubber piece made in delrin and the lower one lined outa grilon+moly tube stock

steers like a champ and no noise or play. very accurate and responsive

of course I have matching delrin idler arm bushing (yeah, lol dennis )

_________________
Juan Ignacio Caino

Please use e-mail button istead of PM'ing. I do log in sometimes but I'll be answering quicker thru e-mail.