Need Dust Covers

[Doran Johnson]

I used reproduction leather boots over rubber boots to get the grease retention of rubber and the original appearance of leather.  The rubber boot clamps would not fit under the leather boots, so the wire twist ties hold both boots in place.

[mvair]

I have seen the "leather boots with internal grease cup" only in the service manual and they seem a much better design than the leather boots you are able to buy today. Since you have one, would it be possible to use it as a pattern for getting new ones made? I for one would be interested in acquiring some.

I plan to make some duplicates in the future. I will post a message when I get it done. I have researched the patents and believe I know the types of leather to use. Also I have check about having the tabs laser cut to avod making a die. I'm hoping the fellow who has cut other things for me at no charge will help with this project too. :-)

I will post some pictures in a day or so. I need to finish another project first.

[FourDoor]

Rubber boots were standard much earlier than 1941. Closer to 1935. But like you say there seems to be no exact change date. But I agree a driveshaft with a rubber boot and a leather boot has had one or the other changed at some time and I would guess by 1941 the leather boot is the odd ball.

[TodFitch]

mvair

FYI. The rubber boot can be changed without removing the trunnion or the metal cover. I have a MOPAR package insert that shows how to do this if you want me to post it later.

Please post some of the pictures. The one reason I was leaning towards leather because it seems easier to put on.

Carmen

The procedure is also in the service manual which you should acquire. Basically the boot is greased up so that it is slippery then stretched over the trunnion pin then through the inside of the U-joint housing. I haven't had much luck at doing this without damaging the boot but I have heard of others doing it with no problems.

[TodFitch]

I have searched for years trying to find the NORS leather boots with the internal grease cup and metal tab closures. I have found 1 of these. If anyone has one, I would love to talk to you!

I have seen the "leather boots with internal grease cup" only in the service manual and they seem a much better design than the leather boots you are able to buy today. Since you have one, would it be possible to use it as a pattern for getting new ones made? I for one would be interested in acquiring some.

[Carmen]

mvair

FYI. The rubber boot can be changed without removing the trunnion or the metal cover. I have a MOPAR package insert that shows how to do this if you want me to post it later.

Please post some of the pictures. The one reason I was leaning towards leather because it seems easier to put on.

Carmen

[mvair]

The '41 was a transition between the leather and rubber covers. I believe (since my P12 had leather covers) that at least some, if not all, '41's had leather covers.

The leather covers that came on the car originally were not anything like the ones that are available as reproductions. The originals had an internal leather grease cup riveted (and/or glued) to the outside leather cover. The entire cover was riveted together in place. The modern replacements do not have the internal grease cup and the outer cover is laced with wire twist ties at the end. The lacing is similar to one of the many NORS type that were available. The more common NORS leather cover had the internal grease cup and metal tabs to close the outer cover with metal "screw-cinch" bands on the ends.

I know I am not explaining this very well. A few pictures would help, but I am not able to post any right now.

The rubber replacement boots were available in 1941 or shortly thereafter. If your car has both a leather and rubber boot, it is likely one of the leather boots failed and was replaced with a rubber boot.

I believe your best bet is to use the rubber boots. They do a better job of sealing the joint and they are readily available. I doubt that rubber vs leather would make any difference in judging. I don't know anyone can say for certain if all cars in '41 had leather boots or a combination of leather and rubber.

FYI. The rubber boot can be changed without removing the trunnion or the metal cover. I have a MOPAR package insert that shows how to do this if you want me to post it later.

I have searched for years trying to find the NORS leather boots with the internal grease cup and metal tab closures. I have found 1 of these. If anyone has one, I would love to talk to you! I know my car had the leather boots because the factory installed ones were still on the car.

[TodFitch]

U-Joint boots are available in either leather or rubber from places like Roberts and Bernbaum. I haven't seen a cross reference number to anything that could be purchased at NAPA but I have heard of some people using modern CV joint boots. I don't know what CV boot might work as none of the ones I could find information for had dimensions that matched up to what I see on my driveshaft.

If you are into having your car judged, then for the early 1930s you should go with leather. The 1936-42 service manual does show rubber so sometime during the period prior to WW2 rubber boots became available. For that reason I think that rubber might be "official" for your 41 but you might want to check the judging standards which, I think, are available for download elsewhere on this site.

[Carmen]

While under my 41 P12 I noticed that the boot or dust covers are missing, ergo, they have no grease at all in their u-joints. Looking at the manual it seems to me that one u-joint needs a rubber boot and the other needs a leather cover. Am I correct???? Where is the best place to get them or can they be ordered from a MAPA store??  Does anyone have the correct numbers??


Thank as always for the info.


Carmen