'72 front suspension resto advice needed

[Tony 38901]

While my engine is out of the car (smallblock), I decided to clean up/restore the front suspension. I already pulled apart the drivers side ( I used the VanSteel video for guidance). Here are my questions:
How can I tell if my A-arms are original? I was told before I bought the car that the a-arms are from a '74 + Corvette.
How can I tell if my ball joints need replacement? They are still rivited onto the a-arms.
What is the best way to clean up & paint the a-arms and frame area? I have access to a blast cabinet, a pile of Scotch Brite pads, some Permatex rust treatment, POR-15 and some Quanta spray paint (few differnt shades of black).

Thanks,
Tony

[William C.]

Re: '72 front suspension resto advice needed

Upper ball joints almost never wear out, so keep them away from the plasting cabinet unless you remove the revits and re-rivit them in place. Bairs Corvettes has all the parts you will need, and can do the entire job for a reasonable price, handy if you don't have the equipmewnt of dealing with the upper and lower shaft bushings. They will also return Your parts restored if you talk to them in advance. (814) 683-4223 (advertise in Driveline)

[Travis Williamson]

[Joe L.]

Re: '72 front suspension resto advice needed

Tony-----

The upper a-arms are the same for all 1963-82 Corvettes. So, there is no way to tell them apart. Also, there is no difference in the configuration of the ball joints used for 1972 and later year Corvttes through 1982. So, this presents no problems, either.

The lower a-arms changed slightly for the 1978 model year. However, the 1978 and later a-arms can be used for any 1963-77. In fact, the 78-82 arms became the SERVICE a-arms for 1963-77. There are only 2 differences between the 63-77 and 78-82 a-arms. One difference is the length of the steering arm stop welded to the side of the a-arm. This difference is so slight it's not apparent and virtually immeasurable. The other difference I'm not going to get into since it's hard to describe. However, NO ONE will ever notice the difference. I can assure you of that.

As Bill mentioned, the upper ball joints hardly ever go bad. You can pretty much assume that they're ok as long as they have grease in them. The lower ones DO wear. If they are still riveted to the arms they are likely original and probably need replacement.

I would NOT use POR-15 on the a-arms if your desire is to restore an original finish. POR-15 looks WAY too thick and will never result in an original-looking finish. It's very hard to remove, too, so if you do it this way, you're pretty much stuck with it, like it or not.

[Mark #28455]

Eastwood rust encapsulator

Get the black one that's now available, that way if you chip your topcoat, it won't show as much. The old red/brown one stood out like a sore thumb.
Mark