1967 Front Suspension Parts

[John R.]

I am starting to collect the parts necessary to rebuild the front suspensionn of my 67 big block coupe. I have read quite a bit lately about NOS (not service replacement) ball joints and a-arm bushings, both of which seem quite rare. Upon consulting the judging guide last night, the only specific reference that I saw relating to originality was the reference to rivets for the installation of the ball joints. I understand that the original ball joints and a-arm bushings are distinguishable from the replacements but see no basis for a point deduction in the judging manual. This is a big job as far as I am concerned and I would like to complete it without losing any originality points if I can do so. How fussy should I be in my search for parts?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 Front Suspension Parts

John------

As far as I know, the aftermarket replacement ball joints, even though configured considerably different than the GM ball joints, are not assessed a judging penalty. However, I believe that if the replacement joints are attached by the SERVICE-only bolts and nuts instead of PRODUCTION-type rivets, then a small penalty is assessed.

[John R.]

Re: 1967 Front Suspension Parts

Joe, That's what the judging manual indicates although the replacement ball joints appear quite different than the originals. Even more elusive are the original a-arm bushings which, I understand, have more rubber visible than the replacements.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1967 Front Suspension Parts

The original upper A frame bushings are the tough ones. The repro lowers you can buy today for about $3.00 each look "correct". The current repro uppers have the steel collar extending all the way out to the end. The originals had about 1/4 inch of rubber exposed, like the lowers. You can still find them. I just did the front on my 69 this winter, and used original upper bushings, ones that I had "accumulated" at flea markets. I believe the identical bushing is also used on full size Chevy's, Camaro's, Chevelle's, etc. Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 Front Suspension Parts

Chuck and John-----

The original upper a-arm bushings were GM #3711826 and the lower a-arm bushings were GM #3714368. These bushings are the ones that have the exposed rubber "collar" on the inner end of the bushing. These bushings were manufactured for GM by a supplier by the name of "Harris" and this name will be found debossed on the rubber portion of the bushings. At least, it's been on all of the bushings that I've looked at.

In 1973, GM changed the design and supplier for the UPPER bushings. The part number was changed to GM #401267. These are the bushings which have no exposed rubber "collar". They were used for 1973+ PRODUCTION and, after 1973, for all 63+ SERVICE. These bushings are manufactured by Clevite and are so de-bossed. This includes all of the GM and aftermarket bushings that I've seen.

The lower bushings have remained GM #3714368 for all of the years and continue to be available from GM to this day. The last ones I purchased still said "Harris" on them, but they were not old stock. Aftermarket-sourced bushings are the same and also are branded "Harris". At least, all the ones I've looked at (which is quite a few).

The original GM #3711826 bushings are getting pretty scarce. However, I was told that Art Dorsett of Van Steel in Florida had made arrangements to obtain the original style upper bushings. I would think that it would just be a matter of locating and contacting "Harris". Of course, I'm sure that "Harris" will only supply these and/or tool up to make them if the order is large. So, that may be a "sticking point", but I'm sure that Art understands this and is prepared to order a large quantity and become "the source" for the whole Corvette industry.

Actually, I'm surprised that Dr. Rebuild hasn't done this long before now. He's "The Man" when it comes to this type of thing, notwithstanding his recent retirement. However, the good doctor may feel that this facet of originality is not worth the effort. If so, he's probably right, too.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 Front Suspension Parts

The ball joint boot configuration and the pilot diameter extension of the stud are two examples in crediting or deducting points in judging. These parts are judged. The mounting bolts in place of rivets is also deducted for. Also be sure to have the correct square bottomed castle nuts and correct straight grease fittings. Check to insure you install the cotter pins to clear the GM fixture as originals.