Looks like I have to replace the upper control arms on my 58. The threads for the upper OUTER bushing of the control arms are almost gone. Not sure if this is from my disassembly technique or from the factory or prior Bubba. (I think the first is the likely but they came apart without a lot of force) Anyway, if I need to replace the upper arms I need to replace the upper INNER bushing too. Do you really need the special tool mentioned in the ST12 to remove/install the inner bushings. Is there a simple alternative? If not where can I get the special tool? Also any good source for the control arm in the 49-54 passenger car vendors? Plan on getting the bushing set from Kantor. Thanks, Ken
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Re: C1 Upper Inner Control Arm Bushing
There isn't much thread there in the upper arms to begin with, so I'd check it with new bushings before jumping into the replacement. Once the bushings have been removed from the arm, The shaft can be removed by placing a stop (large nut will work) inside the threaded section of the rear bushing so that the stop will bottom on the shaft with the bushing threaded about 1/2 or 3/4 of the way on the shaft. Once the bushing has reached the stop, continue turning and it will drive out the shaft toward the front. Reverse the process to reinstall. Most of the replacement shaft/bushing kits have oversize shafts in the area that threads into the crossmember to compensate for wear in that area. You might want to check the oversize from more than one vendor to get one that feels righe for your car. '49-54 Chevy kits are the same and may still be available from sources such as Moog.Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: C1 Upper Inner Control Arm Bushing
Kenneth,
I would agree with Bill, there is not much thread in the arms to begin with.
If new bushings will torque up nice and tight, then I would use them.
On the inner shafts, I would replace them only as a last resort! These shafts will with proper lubrication, last a lifetime. The threads on the shafts almost never wear out, and usually you can just screw new bushings back on and you are good to go. As a matter of fact, all the bushings will last practically forever if kept lubricated. I bought a complete new frent end kit for my 60 when I restored it, but found that the new bushings were no tighter than the 45 year old ones! I put new kingpins in and sent the kit back for credit. You allways stand the chance of breaking the welds loose on the bushings that are welded to the crossmember whenever you atempt to replace the upper-inner shafts, and I would not do it unless the shaft is completely worn out.
Regards, John McGrawComment
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Re: C1 Upper Inner Control Arm Bushing
I don't know just who all sells the bushings seperately, but for sure, Corvette Central does sell the upper, inner bushings seperately. As mentioned, if you can get by with only replacing the bushings, it will make things much easier for you. The upper, inner shaft CAN be replaced, but it CAN be a real bear sometimes. So, don't replace it if you don't need to. Once you get the upper A-frame removed, and clean off the threads of the shaft, you will be able to inspect and determine if the shaft needs to be replaced.
Also, you probably should order some seals for the bushings. I don't think you can order upper, inner seals seperately, you probably can order only a full set. The seals are essentially different sizes of square O-rings, but you SHOULD have them.
And last, as mentioned, the threads for the bushings in the A-frames are not much of a thread. So, if the bushings screw into the holes snugly, and will tighten up, you are good to go.Comment
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Re: C1 Upper Inner Control Arm Bushing
Ken, I have an NOS upper arm and new bushings. I can send you a pic if that would help. TedComment
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Re: C1 Upper Inner Control Arm Bushing
Thanks for the info guys. For clarity, the OUTER bushing threads in the arm are almost gone. Would new bushings for these outer pins be oversized too and maybe "bite" a little better in the threads of the arms? The threads are almost gone - you can see and feel them but not a lot of "meat" left to bite into. I was asking about the inner bushings and shaft (which are in fine shape) anticipating control arm replacement. Can the arm be replaced without removing the inner shaft from the crossmember? Thanks, I really appreciate the advice. The car is completely apart and I want to do right the first time. KenComment
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