68 A-ARM ball joints

[Jeff Chester]

As many know, I rebuilding a new 68 frame, the 70-72 did not fit.
So, I found new 68 only spindles, and had the 68 frame and arms dipped.
There back.
How much deduction, if you use the replacement bolt in style balljoints.
uppers and lowers. when getting judged.

Also, I went to the Lima swap and a guy was going to have the factory repo's,
a-arm shaft bushing for sale, he did not. these had longer rubber inserts.
Where can I find them, elsewhere.

Can I send my A-arm to someone to have factory ball joints rivoted in like factory.

also, were the shaft bushings painted, and or what was the factory build paint sequence? What was painted what? shafts, bushings, outter bolt and washer.
I'm going for TOP Flight..
thanks,
jc

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

Jeff-----

I don't know how much the deduction is for bolted-in ball joints. However, if you don't have original GM ball joints, I don't think that it's worth the expense and effort to have aftermarket type joints rivetted in. You will lose enough for the ball joints that I don't think that the few extra points lost due to bolts will be much of a factor. Aftermarket or "reproduction" ball joints are NOT configured anything like the originals. If you do want to have the joints riveted in, Bair's Corvette of Linesville, PA does this work.

I think that the a-arms were painted with shafts and bushings installed. However, I don't think that the bolts and retainers ("washers") were on the arms when painted. So, they're not painted. Very often, the upper a-arms are not painted for about 3 or 4 inches on the ball joint end.

Lower a-arm bushings are available from GM and other sources which are true to original configuration (rubber collar on the inner end). For the uppers you have to go elsewhere. I understand that Long Island Corvette carries the correct style. Also, Art Dorsett of Van Steel was supposed to be working on obtaining a supply. Van Steel (www.vansteel.com) may also be able to rivet your ball joints for you, too.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

Jeff-----

I don't know how much the deduction is for bolted-in ball joints. However, if you don't have original GM ball joints, I don't think that it's worth the expense and effort to have aftermarket type joints rivetted in. You will lose enough for the ball joints that I don't think that the few extra points lost due to bolts will be much of a factor. Aftermarket or "reproduction" ball joints are NOT configured anything like the originals. If you do want to have the joints riveted in, Bair's Corvette of Linesville, PA does this work.

I think that the a-arms were painted with shafts and bushings installed. However, I don't think that the bolts and retainers ("washers") were on the arms when painted. So, they're not painted. Very often, the upper a-arms are not painted for about 3 or 4 inches on the ball joint end.

Lower a-arm bushings are available from GM and other sources which are true to original configuration (rubber collar on the inner end). For the uppers you have to go elsewhere. I understand that Long Island Corvette carries the correct style. Also, Art Dorsett of Van Steel was supposed to be working on obtaining a supply. Van Steel (www.vansteel.com) may also be able to rivet your ball joints for you, too.

[Jeff Chester]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

how do you know if the ball joint is bad?
I had the arms dipped, are they reusable? by re-greaseing
jc

[Jeff Chester]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

how do you know if the ball joint is bad?
I had the arms dipped, are they reusable? by re-greaseing
jc

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

Jeff-----

If the arms were dipped with the ball joints attached, I doubt that the ball joints are usable now, even if they were prior to dipping. You can do a cursory inspection of them just by rotating the ball studs and checking for any looseness or roughness. Unfortunately, this is not a proof-positive test since the joint is not under load. How it functions when loaded is what really counts.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

Jeff-----

If the arms were dipped with the ball joints attached, I doubt that the ball joints are usable now, even if they were prior to dipping. You can do a cursory inspection of them just by rotating the ball studs and checking for any looseness or roughness. Unfortunately, this is not a proof-positive test since the joint is not under load. How it functions when loaded is what really counts.

[John R.]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

Long Island Corvette only had a few sets of the NOS upper bushings which were sold out last year. I still have to contact Mr. Dorsett at Van Steel and will let the board know when Van Steel may have these available.

[John R.]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

Long Island Corvette only had a few sets of the NOS upper bushings which were sold out last year. I still have to contact Mr. Dorsett at Van Steel and will let the board know when Van Steel may have these available.

[Jeff Chester]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

are theses exact repo's, or close.
Joe you hae a good point, about the time and $$$ issue.
jc

[Jeff Chester]

Re: 68 A-ARM ball joints

are theses exact repo's, or close.
Joe you hae a good point, about the time and $$$ issue.
jc