Correct color of upper/lower control arms

[Ralph A.]

Started my 1971 suspension restoration.
Judging manual indicates these are semi gloss black. I just removed mine from the suspension and I can not find any "paint" on any of the 4 pieces. I thought these were original but now I am confused. Can someone shed some light?
Also need to change the upper ball joints. I can drill out the rivits but what do I use to replace them. I have the new rivits. DO I just beat them until tight?
Thanks
Ralph

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: Correct color of upper/lower control arms

My 72 control arms are semi gloss and it is all original. You have to take the control arms to the machine shop and get the pressed in. Hope this helps. Eric

[Ralph A.]

Re: Correct color of upper/lower control arms

Thanks Eric, I just found it unusual that there was no paint on my arms.
Do you know what type of "pressed in" tool they use?

[Eric Fairclough]

Re: Correct color of upper/lower control arms

I'am not sure exactally what type of tool the use. I just assumed it was a machine shop floor press. Eric

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct color of upper/lower control arms

Ralph-----

The front a-arms were originally dip-painted a semi-gloss black which tended to the glossy side. Very often, the outer 4 inches, or so, of the upper arms were unpainted. I've never seen a set of these arms which were totally unpainted, but I wouldn't rule it out as a possibility.

SERVICE ball joints are installed using the nuts and bolts which are supplied with the SERVICE ball joints. If you wish to re-rivet the joints, it's best to send the arms to a specialist like Bair's Corvette in Linesville, PA. Your average machine shop will not be able to re-rivet them and there is no way that you can do it yourself without special tooling. Machine shops may be able to replace the bushings for you, though, if you are unable to do so yourself.

[Thad L.]

Re: Correct color of upper/lower control arms

Ralph, a good rule of thumb is that your control arms should be a little glossier than the frame. Frame is usually flat black and the arms a just a tad more shinny. Thad

[Ralph A.]

Re: Correct color of upper/lower control arms

Thanks for the info. My arms are fairly rusted and I worked on them last night.
Still did not find any good evidence of paint. I plan to paint them just the same.
I had to change the ball joints as the rubber is dry rot and leaking. My mechanic has some machine tools (prior life) available but he has never put in rivits. He was just asking for advice. We will try with a hammer chissel and see if that works, if not we may have to send them off.

I have no problems pressing in the bushings.