C3 Control Arm ID

[Philip M.]

My 1969 control arms are pitted,can anyone tell me if all the C3's are the same.

[Joe T.]

Re: C3 Control Arm ID

I presumed your were talking about the trailing arms, since my forward control arms (my generation knew them a "a-frames) are not AT ALL pitted

Yup. Mine are. One had to be replaced due to rust perforation/deterioration near the bearing support. I wire brushed the remaining arm, painted on a rust converter Sprayed it (inside as well) and then painted black Rustoleum gloss inside and out. This didn't completely eliminate the pitting, but hopefully will protect it from further deterioration. If you decide to replace it or them, be careful if you have a big block car. Some of the replacements are not drilled for the sway bar attachment...Good luck...joe

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Control Arm ID

My 1969 control arms are pitted,can anyone tell me if all the C3's are the same.

Phillip------


If you are talking about, the front control arms, here's the deal:

All 63-82 upper control arms are the same.

1964-1977 lower control arms are the same. 1978-82 control arms are "almost" the same. The difference is a slight change in the configuration/size of the steering arm stop welded to the arm. No one will ever notice the difference.

If you are talking about the rear control arms (trailing arms) all 1965-82 are the same except for the following:

1) arms used for big block cars had holes for sway bar brackets; small block cars usually did not have the holes. The holes can easily be added for big block cars if the arms do not have them;

2) There was a very slight re-positioning of the welded-on parking brake bracket for 1978-82 Corvettes. However, 78-82 arms can be used on earlier Corvettes with no problems. Very few would be able to identify this difference.

3) 1982 arms had 4 small holes drilled at 90 degree intervals around the large rear side hole for the spindle support. These were for the plastic u-joint shield used for 1982 only. GM SERVICE arms for 65-81 applications after about 1982 had the holes, too. These holes can easily be filled if desired.