I need to know how to tell what is the correct bushings for the upper and lower control arms. What do they look like and were to get them. Also tie rods, inner and outer and sleeve. What do they look like and were can I get them. I want these parts to look just like origanal and when judged by the NCRS they get the OK.
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Re: C3 1972 vette
Rob-----
The lower bushings are GM #3714368. They're still available from GM under the original part number and the configuration is the same for all 63-82 Corvettes. Most of the vendors sell this exact same bushing, too. If you purchase a GM #3714368 then you will know exactly what an original bushing should look like.
The upper bushing is a bit different story. 1972 was the last year for the use of the GM #3711826 bushing in PRODUCTION. This bushing has "exposed rubber" on the inner end and, except for size, is identical to the lower bushing in configuration. GM replaced the bushing many years ago for PRODUCTION and SERVICE with a bushing that does not have exposed rubber on the inner end. In other words, the outer steel sheel of the bushing extends all the way to the end of the rubber. Reproductions of this bushing are now available in the restoration marketplace. I believe that Keen Parts or Volunteer Vette was the first to have them available but, by now, I would expect that most of the vendors would have them.
As far as the tie rod ends go, that's another story. There are NO tie rod ends available on the market today which are configured like the originals and all of those currently available are EASILY discernable as non-original. No reproduction is currently available. NOS are VERY hard to find and expensive.
The tie rod sleeve used for your car was originally GM #3826816 and it's still available from GM. Some say that the configuration of this part is not exactly the same as originals. I say otherwise, but it's really a very minor point. Reproductions which "claim" to be of the original configuration are available from various vendors.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C3 1972 vette
Thank you Joe. That was a big help.Comment
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