65 idler arm

[Mike Sasser]

I have looked for a correct idler arm with no luck. Does any one know of a source for the correct arm with no grease fitting?

[Chuck G.]

Re: 65 idler arm

Just bought a supposed good "low mileage used" one on EBAY, from a 30K mile original car. Hasn't come yet. We'll see what happens. There was a lot of bidding action on this item. I paid $60.00 for it. Seems like everybody is looking for one I've never seen one for sale at any flea market. Chuck

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 idler arm

Mike-----

Some time ago I saw an advertisement in which Chicago Corvette advertised an "original configuration" idler arm. This interested me, so, for my research purposes, I ordered one. I was surprised. It was EXCELLENT. It's configuration was nearly identical to the original 63-81 arm, GM #3779184, except that it did not have the 3779185 forging number on the arm shank. It was the same, though, as the 1982 PRODUCTION and 1963-81 SERVICE idler arm GM #14053350. This arm was of the same configuration as the 3779184 arm except that it had NO forging number on it either. Unfortunately, even that piece was discontinued many years ago and replaced by GM #12509357. The latter piece is a VERY high quality piece but also VERY much unlike the original idler arms in configuration. I don't know if Chicago Corvette, and perhaps others, still have available the reproduction arm I purchased.

About a year ago I was fortunate enough to purchase 2 NOS original GM #3779184 idler arms [NONE FOR SALE]. The price? 20 bucks each. A REAL DEAL!

One tip for those searching swap meets, etc. for a new/used GM #3779184 idler arms: you CANNOT use the 3779185 forging number on the shank for positive ID and assume that all idler arms with the 3779185 number are the GM #3779184 Corvette arm. The 3779185 arm shank forging was also used on at least 2 other TRUCK applications with different FINISHED PART numbers and these parts, although similar to the Corvette in overall configuration, will not work in the Corvette application.

[Don Shirey]

Re: 65 idler arm

Mike,
Contact David Sokolowski in CA at 310-329-5334
He advertises in Hemmings. I just purchased a
real nice one from him for $50.00 plus S&H

Regards,
Don

[Don Shirey]

Re: 65 idler arm

Joe,
Could you explain the difference between the Corvette arm and the truck arms.

Regards,
Don

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 idler arm

Don------

I wish I could. I've only seen pictures of the truck arms, but they didn't have a side-by-side comparison with the Corvette arm. So, all that I could tell is that they look similar to the Corvette piece. I think that the arm that connects to the frame was shaped a little differently, though. I may try to research this some more if I have time.

[Don Shirey]

Re: 65 idler arm - Thanks Joe *NM*