Correct Tie Rod End Boots

[Ngtflyr]

Anyone have a good source for correct Tie Rod Boots? I am going to replace the repro Tie Rods on my 69 Z28 and will likely destroy the boots. The boots I have found do not look very close to original.

Thanks in advance!

[CamarosRus]

Dave, As is usually the case on real restoration questions, your thread is not loaded with responding posts.

From everything I've read elsewhere, I'm not familiar with any correct repop or original source of boots.

I'm thinking you just have to source "junk" cars from your era,
and recover good originals ?????

Not what you or I, wanted to hear, I know.............

[x77-69z28]

use a tie rod puller instead of the old fork. it wont ruin the boots.

[Ngtflyr]

Do you know if any auto parts stores rent a tie rod puller? I've never seen or used one so not exactly sure what one even looks like. All I've ever used is a pickle fork to remove them with predictible results.

[SS427]

Here is what the tool looks like Dave. Many Auto parts stores will rent these but you can buy ones pretty cheap. They are also adjustable ones available though much more expensive. Since you are going to replace the tie rods anyway, I would simply hit the end of the threaded pin with a drift and a heavy hammer after applying some localized heat to it.

tie rod puller

[enio45]

Dave, they are on ebay from time to time, the correct ones. Last set of correct 4 boots i think went for 200.00 or so.

i dont know of any good repo's or over the counter.....we try to find mint orig ones or go for the NOS ones....

[Ngtflyr]

Now that I see a picture of the tool, I already have that. Now I just need to find some nice boots. Thanks everyone, it amazes me that no one does correct repops of these and other simple parts.

[firstgenaddict]

The repros that I bought about 18 months ago from Ricks on their "correct" tie rod is close, in that the shape is VERY close to correct. When installed and compressed you would have to know what you were looking at to tell it from an original. The shape of the top where the stud comes through has the 2 concentric rings with the "trough", however it does not have the part number molded into it.

[MosportGreen66]

You might want to check some of the Corvette supply places. I have had good luck with Long Island Corvette Supply reproductions and while I do not condone reproduction parts when originals are around, I make exceptions when no point deductions occur. This is one of those situations. I'd imagine passenger cars are similar to Vettes...

[firstgenaddict]

Original Boot,




Repro Boot from Ricks (the Chassis Parts Dist is in the building next door)




Other than the part number and a letter code they are identical.