1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

[Jim Gagliardi]

I buy most of my parts from Paragon but they told me they only carry
good used ones. I would rather get a good new one if possible. Any help
would be appreciated.

Thanks, Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Jim------

This depends what you're after. If you're after a FUNCTIONAL replacement, you can get a very high quality one from GM under GM #12509357. This will be configured totally different from the original, but it will fit and function perfectly.

If you are after a "reproduction" which is close to the original in configuration, these may be available from the Corvette vendors. However, the "heavy duty" idler arm on the market is NOT configured like the originals. At least as of several years ago, there was an idler arm available from Chicago Corvette, and perhaps others, that was close to the original configuration.

If you are after an EXACT original as used on all 63-81 Corvettes, including the forging number prominently displayed on the bottom of the arm shaft section, there is NO reproduction currently available. So, the only option is NOS (VERY difficult to find) or used original. As far as used originals go, you probably have one of those now.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Jim------

This depends what you're after. If you're after a FUNCTIONAL replacement, you can get a very high quality one from GM under GM #12509357. This will be configured totally different from the original, but it will fit and function perfectly.

If you are after a "reproduction" which is close to the original in configuration, these may be available from the Corvette vendors. However, the "heavy duty" idler arm on the market is NOT configured like the originals. At least as of several years ago, there was an idler arm available from Chicago Corvette, and perhaps others, that was close to the original configuration.

If you are after an EXACT original as used on all 63-81 Corvettes, including the forging number prominently displayed on the bottom of the arm shaft section, there is NO reproduction currently available. So, the only option is NOS (VERY difficult to find) or used original. As far as used originals go, you probably have one of those now.

[Jim Gagliardi]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Joe, First I want to say thanks for answering my previous questions
about trans. ignition and my power steering pump. As far as the idler arm
goes, I have rebuilt the entire front end except for the idler arm so it
is very tight. I am bringing the car in for an alignment. Will the idler arm
affect aligning the car at all?

[Jim Gagliardi]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Joe, First I want to say thanks for answering my previous questions
about trans. ignition and my power steering pump. As far as the idler arm
goes, I have rebuilt the entire front end except for the idler arm so it
is very tight. I am bringing the car in for an alignment. Will the idler arm
affect aligning the car at all?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Jim------

The idler arm has no effect, whatsoever, on the camber and caster adjustments. It may or may not have an effect on the toe adjustment, but I don't think so.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Jim------

The idler arm has no effect, whatsoever, on the camber and caster adjustments. It may or may not have an effect on the toe adjustment, but I don't think so.

[Jim Gagliardi]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Thanks again Joe, I may look for an n.o.s part at Carlisle.

[Jim Gagliardi]

Re: 1972 Idler arm, can I get a new one?

Thanks again Joe, I may look for an n.o.s part at Carlisle.