Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT - NCRS Discussion Boards

Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

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  • Roger D.
    Expired
    • May 4, 2008
    • 301

    Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

    Folks:

    Getting ready to restore suspension on my ,72 small block coupe. By the looks of it, I believe the components have never been changed. Since the car is very original, I'd like to keep it so by installing NCRS correct parts including the riveted ball joints. That said, I ran across the following front suspension rebuild kit on Corvette Central that is advertised as "Correct".



    Has anyone used this set on a restoration? Any thoughts on the "Correctness" of the kit? What do you think about using this kit in preparation for future judging of my car at a future NCRS regional event?


    For that matter, how about use of the Rear suspension kit from the same vendor to the same end?

    Thanks in advance.

    Roger
  • Joseph K.
    Expired
    • August 26, 2008
    • 407

    #2
    Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

    Roger,

    It is hard to see the finishes of the parts and if they are rivits or bolts. It would be best to call CC. with regard to finishes if you have not already buy, a judging manual to detirmine the finish required for each part. Some of the items shown were bare metal and I am not sure if the finish on the sway bar bushing retainer is correct. Joe

    Comment

    • Paul O.
      Frequent User
      • August 31, 1990
      • 1716

      #3
      Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

      Roger


      As you read there statement it says "Features the most correct reproduction front suspension components available". It does not state totally correct an experienced judge will see the differences odds are the idler arm and tie rods do not have the correct numbers or part identifiers the ball joints look to be America's Best product some of those finishes are not typical as per originals. As they stated it is for "Front Suspension Rebuild Kit designed for the concours restoration" which is like but not NCRS standards. The only way to get correct is to buy original parts just my thoughts.

      Comment

      • Joe L.
        Beyond Control Poster
        • February 1, 1988
        • 43193

        #4
        Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

        Originally posted by Roger Dupler (48990)
        Folks:

        Getting ready to restore suspension on my ,72 small block coupe. By the looks of it, I believe the components have never been changed. Since the car is very original, I'd like to keep it so by installing NCRS correct parts including the riveted ball joints. That said, I ran across the following front suspension rebuild kit on Corvette Central that is advertised as "Correct".



        Has anyone used this set on a restoration? Any thoughts on the "Correctness" of the kit? What do you think about using this kit in preparation for future judging of my car at a future NCRS regional event?


        For that matter, how about use of the Rear suspension kit from the same vendor to the same end?

        Thanks in advance.

        Roger

        Roger-----


        Other than finding correct NOS original components, this kit is as correct as you're going to get in currently manufactured parts. Is it 100.00000% correct? No, but I'd say it's about 95-98% correct.
        In Appreciation of John Hinckley

        Comment

        • Alan S.
          Extremely Frequent Poster
          • July 31, 1989
          • 3415

          #5
          Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

          Hi Roger,
          Since you mention how original you believe your front end components are, is there any chance, (what's the mileage on the car?), that some/many of them can be restored and reused? I think using the original part in a restoration is always a good choice.
          Regards,
          Alan
          71 Coupe, 350/270, 4 speed
          Mason Dixon Chapter
          Chapter Top Flight October 2011

          Comment

          • Edward J.
            Extremely Frequent Poster
            • September 15, 2008
            • 6940

            #6
            Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

            I am with Alan in respect to the original parts clean and re-use the parts you can, I think the biggest wear items is the lower ball joints and control arm bushings.I have a 70k 1972 that still has all most of the original parts other than the bushings and lower ball joints. If its not worn out re-use, as most of the parts you'll purchase will likely be worn out in a few years. Its just the factory quality is that much better. Ed
            New England chapter member, 63 Convert. 327/340- Chapter/Regional/national Top Flight, 72 coupe- chapter and regional Top Flight.

            Comment

            • Roger D.
              Expired
              • May 4, 2008
              • 301

              #7
              Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

              Wow. Those are great comments. Thanks very much.

              Alan, Edward, mine has 74 k miles. I'll look at this more closely based on everyone's comments. Perhaps I'll be able to re-use most of the parts.

              Regards,
              Roger

              Comment

              • Kurt G.
                Very Frequent User
                • April 30, 2005
                • 343

                #8
                Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                I just received the kit from Corvette Central and they parts look pretty Good so far. I haven't had a chance to get under the car to compare, but plan to this weekend. The ball joints are very close, as are the rivets.
                Kurt Geis
                Chairman, Midway USA Chapter
                Targa Blue 1972, Top Flight and Duntov Award, 2014
                Arctic White 1994, Top Flight, Hrt. of Amer. Reg. 2011
                Arctic White 2013 60th Anniv Special Edition Conv.

                Comment

                • Roger D.
                  Expired
                  • May 4, 2008
                  • 301

                  #9
                  Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                  Thanks Kurt. Let me know what you think once you get a better comparison. I plan to also talk to Brian at Bair's to sees what they have/recommend.

                  Regards,
                  Roger

                  Comment

                  • Bill L.
                    Expired
                    • February 1, 2004
                    • 1403

                    #10
                    Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                    Certain OEM parts can still be had at a reasonable cost. Correct GM idler arms are out there as well as control arm bushings. Ball joints do come up but generally go for pretty big bucks. I have recently seen complete A arms with ball joints on my least favorite auction site.

                    My 70 has about 115k miles and the ball joints were checked by an extremely reputable corvette shop and by me. If it is a sb and suspension has been well maintained even the lower ball joints may be okay. The idler arm, control arm bushings, steering box, and all power steering components on my 70 L46 needed attention.

                    The biggest improvement was when the steering box was rebuilt and set up correctly. WOW what a difference.

                    I say all this just to echo what others have said. Try to keep it original as long as it is safe.


                    Bill

                    Comment

                    • Kurt G.
                      Very Frequent User
                      • April 30, 2005
                      • 343

                      #11
                      Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                      Roger, just got home and looked at th stuff in the kit. It looks pretty good to me.
                      Kurt Geis
                      Chairman, Midway USA Chapter
                      Targa Blue 1972, Top Flight and Duntov Award, 2014
                      Arctic White 1994, Top Flight, Hrt. of Amer. Reg. 2011
                      Arctic White 2013 60th Anniv Special Edition Conv.

                      Comment

                      • Roger D.
                        Expired
                        • May 4, 2008
                        • 301

                        #12
                        Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                        Bill, Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't think GM still stocked any OEM parts for cars that old. I'll keep that in mind. My car had three previous owners and it was very well maintained top side but I can't say how well the suspension sysem was maintained. What's a good method to check the ball joints?

                        Kurt. Thanks for the reply on the kit. I'll keep that in mind also when I start this project.

                        Regards,
                        Roger

                        Comment

                        • Terry M.
                          Beyond Control Poster
                          • September 30, 1980
                          • 15573

                          #13
                          Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                          Originally posted by Roger Dupler (48990)
                          Bill, Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't think GM still stocked any OEM parts for cars that old. I'll keep that in mind. My car had three previous owners and it was very well maintained top side but I can't say how well the suspension sysem was maintained. What's a good method to check the ball joints?

                          Kurt. Thanks for the reply on the kit. I'll keep that in mind also when I start this project.

                          Regards,
                          Roger
                          A "good method" of checking ball joints is in the Chevrolet Service Manual for your year Corvette.
                          Terry

                          Comment

                          • Bill L.
                            Expired
                            • February 1, 2004
                            • 1403

                            #14
                            Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                            Here is a simple write up by someone else that may help.

                            In order to test these you have to first unload them. They are being held in tension by the spring. Jack the car up, place a jack stand under the lower a-frame, lower the weight of the car onto the jack stand. This will unload the joints. The weight of the car is now transferred to a path from the frame, to the spring, to the lower a-frame, to the jack stand, to the ground. Use a huge pair of channel-lock (slip joint) pliers to compress the joints between the end with the stud/nut and the spot where the grease fitting is screwed in... avoid crunching or damaging the grease fitting (remove it if you have to). Compress and release the joint with the pliers- it takes some muscle. The movement should be less than about .060 (rough guess). There is a spec somewhere but I don't have it at hand. If they're sloppy, replace them.

                            As Terry said the Service Manual is a big help in such matters.


                            Bill

                            Originally posted by Roger Dupler (48990)
                            Bill, Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't think GM still stocked any OEM parts for cars that old. I'll keep that in mind. My car had three previous owners and it was very well maintained top side but I can't say how well the suspension sysem was maintained. What's a good method to check the ball joints?

                            Kurt. Thanks for the reply on the kit. I'll keep that in mind also when I start this project.

                            Regards,
                            Roger

                            Comment

                            • Bill L.
                              Expired
                              • February 1, 2004
                              • 1403

                              #15
                              Re: Corvette Central - FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILD KIT - CORRECT

                              Hi Roger,

                              GM doesn't stock the original type suspension parts anymore. I have a corvette shop by me that generally has a stock of NOS idler arms, control arm bushings etc... I pay quite a bit for some of the parts but have the piece of mind knowing they are correct. He does not have many NOS ball joints and they are very expensive. However, if I needed them I would pay the price.


                              Bill

                              Comment

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