The Drag Link

By Another PD Owner

I would like to caution 1933 Plymouth owners to inspect their drag link very thoroughly, and on a regular basis.

The original is made of thin wall tubing, and has a tendency to tear out, with tragic consequences. I found mine halfway torn out on the steering box end. I was very lucky to find it when I did.

I began a search for a replacement, and virtually every stock drag link I came across showed signs of beginning to tear. Finally I bought a NOS drag link assembly for a 1937 to 1942 Chevrolet, which is forged. I cut the two ends off, which fit the Plymouth steering arm and sector shaft. Then I bought a section of 4130 steel tubing about 1/8 inch wall thickness, with inside diameter just large enough to slide in the Chevrolet drag link ends. Then I cut the tube to the proper length to duplicate the exact length of the old Plymouth drag link, and had the two Chevy ends professionally welded to the tube.

Regarding the 1937 to 1942 Chevrolet Drag Link, there may be a whole host of other drag links that would work as well, the Chevrolet one was just the first I found that would work, so I stopped looking!

The original seems dangerous, in my opinion, and the suggestions made here may keep your Plymouth on the road safely. I know the purists might disagree, but I urge you in the interest of safety to check those drag links very carefully, and consider a similar modification if you find signs of damage to the original.

Signed,
A PD Owner

A Possible Alternative

From: Carl Barrier
Date: Thu Aug 7, 2003 12:23:23 PM US/Pacific
To: webmaster
Subject: Plymouth First Decade Web Site

On checking the drag link tube on my 1933 Plymouth I found it also torn. I found a new replacement part from Rare Parts Inc., 621 Wilshire Ave., Stockton, California 95203. Phone # 209-948-6005 Fax 209-948-2851. Part # RP28189 Center link tube Assemble $395.00. Part is well made of Heavy wall tubing and is complete with all fittings.

Carl Barrier

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From: Tod Fitch <webmaster>
Date: Thu Aug 7, 2003 12:31:31 PM US/Pacific
To: Carl Barrier
Subject: Re: Plymouth First Decade Web Site

Hi Carl,

Thank you for the information! I had looked at the Rare Parts web site and did not see that particular part (I will look again now that you have given me a part number). I had considered contacting them to see if they could make it but had never gotten around to it. Does the part look similar to the original?

Would you mind if I add you email to the drag link repair page on my web site? And if you do allow me to quote you, would you like your name removed (I would remove your street, city and phone number as a matter of course).

Thanks,
Tod Fitch

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From: "Carl Barrier"
Date: Thu Aug 7, 2003 6:32:27 PM US/Pacific
To: "Tod Fitch" <webmaster>
Subject: RE: Plymouth First Decade Web Site

Tod, I have no problem with you quoting me or using my name.

I came across the part in Old Cars Weekly news as a new part being made by Rare Parts for 1933 Dodge. When I called Rare parts the salesman didn't know what I was talking about so I sent them the item out of the paper. When checking they had it in stock. The part is just like the original except heavier gauge material. It comes complete with all cups and springs & new ball stud for right side.

I'm happy with it. I also like your web site. Lots of information on it.

Carl Barrier