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I am restoring the front control arms on my 69 roadster. New rubber bushings have been pressed in and the arms have been refinished. I am looking for a method to install the ball joint rivits. It is my understanding these were originally pressed fit. My local Corvette shops want an excess amount for the installation. I would like to know if a tool is available or an alternative method is recommended.
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Re: Ball Joint Rivits
Brian-----
Tools are available for the ball joint rivet installation. They are available from Long Island Corvette Supply, but cost about $200 for the set. To use them you need a high capacity air hammer(about $125) and at least a 3 hp compressor. If you do this job only once in your life, it's hard for a sensible person to justify the expense. In fact, considering this information, the prices that your local Corvette shops are asking probably don't sound so bad to you now.
The tools do work, though. I even bought a set and tried them out. Why, given what I said above? I said no SENSIBLE person would buy them. Do I want to rent or otherwise loan them out? I'm afraid not.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Ball Joint Rivits
Brian, I took mine to a local Machine Shop that works on Heavy Machnery and Commercial Equipment. In and Out in 1 hr. Upper A-arms done on large press and the Lowers were done the old fashioned way by hand. If you can find a shop that can take the time and care...it worthwhile. I think they charged me $50 total.ACComment
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