Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

[Greg L.]

I need two of these special washers(item #6) and was wondering where I could find some as I don't think they are reproduced. Any help is appreciated.


Greg Linton
#45455

[Dick W.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

If they are not available from GM Bair's has them

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

Dick and Greg------

These washers were discontinued from SERVICE by GM in September, 1994. I don't think that Bair's has these particular washers, but it's worth checking into.

The GM #3779096 washer had a 37/64" center hole, a 31/32" OD, and a thickness of 9/64". It was of plain finish. So, this is a non-standard size washer.

For all practical purposes, a HARDENED, hardware store washer of approximately 1" OD and with center hole enlarged with die grinder to 37/64" should work perfectly. If you can't find one of sufficient thickness, just use a stack of 2.

Another option: order GM #3894057 washers. Enlarge the center hole to 37/64". Install and NO ONE is ever going to know the difference. These washers GM list for $4.25/each but, you only need two.

[Dick W.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

My oops! I thought that you wanted the washers that went on the bushings.

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

Dick-----

Those you can still purchase from GM. However, the lower ones are very "pricey"---over $12 EACH, GM list.

[Greg L.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

Thanks guys. Joe, do you know if the GM #3894057 washers Have the serations around the edge like to originals did? If so I'll do as you suggest and get two of them.

[Joe L.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

Greg-----

They don't have serrations. The serrations are virtually imperceptible when the parts are installed in the car and they have no functional purpose, at all.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Source for special A-Arm washers for a 69

The serrated, "toothed" washers were used to attach the front frame extensions and rear bumpers. Those are still available from Doc Rebuild. The parts that were retained by those washers will probably still have a "circle" of tooth marks from the washers.

Many years back, I was looking for restoration parts at Bloomington and ran across a vendor that had two large sacks of the control arm shaft washers for sale, brand new in the correct configuration and finish. Those washers must have been NOS surplus. It seems like it was the firm last known to me as Caledonia Classic Cars in Caledonia Michigan. The last contact numbers I had for them were 800-245-5224 or 616-891-0065.

If you can't find the washers new, you can always get them used and refinish them yourself...the finish is like a medium to dark gray, probably zinc phosphate.