1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

[Sven C.]

I ordered a set of upper and lower a-arms (NCRS correct) for my 1963 April Coupe from one of the major Corvette suppliers near the beginning of January with an expected drop shipment of Jan 22. As of today, they are having trouble getting hold of the manufacturer in California to see if the parts have been shipped. Considering cancelling the order, but unsure where I can get these parts that would pass judging. Does anyone have a suggestion for a supplier that they would recommend to get these parts from in the event I cancel the other order? Thanks

[Ed S.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

Try David Sokolowski in CA, chances are pretty good that he will have a set of originals that are in good, restorable condition - he advertises in the DriveLine - you can find his phone # on a number of pages in the DL where he lists all kinds of stuff. From personal experience I can tell you Dave is responsive, has good quality stuff, prices are reasonable and if you are not satisfied he will refund your $. He is trustworthy.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

Sven, I am not sure but it maybe America's finest that make the control arms for venders. if it is, I have heard that they can be hard to get in contact with.

[Richard K.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

If I recall correctly, you can get these fully restored with the correct riveted ball joints at Bair's Corvettes in Linesville, Pa.. I would contact them and/or check to see if they have an online catalog.

[Sven C.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

Turns out the vendor has been ill for the past 2 weeks and he is getting caught up. My stuff is going out tomorrow. Thanks for the responses and suggestions.

[Donald L.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

You are lucky you have a late 63 the early 63 lower control arms are different along with the attaching bar they are unique to early 63. The 63 upper arms attaching shafts are unique also.

[Sven C.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

The A-Arms finally arrived. The upper and lower were advertised as "correct". The JG states that the cross shaft, bushings, washers and bolts are painted gloss black. The cross shaft is painted black, but the bushings, washers and bolts aren't. Who is right? If I leave them, what kind of a judging hit would I take?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

If the cross shaft is black, so are the bolts, washers, etc as it was painted as a unit.

If the cross shaft is natural (i.e. unpainted), then the washers and bolts are as yours is shown.

Easier to paint them all black than to strip the paint from the cross shafts, but it's your call.

[Gary J.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

You would probably lose 1 point for the uppers for the items not being painted and 1 point for the lowers if the same items are not painted.

[Bob R.]

Re: 1963 Upper and Lower A-arm set

Gary,
The upper control arms are only worth 4 points and the lower with ball joints and hardware are worth 5. Based on all of the pieces involved I think a 1 point deduction for paint is way too much but it is easy to paint it black. C D C I F would amount to a 20% deduct for finish on only one component and there are several parts to this assembly so how much can you take off. Are the correct alignment shims used I noticed the upper ball joints are reproduction these items may be more of an issue than the paint.