I need to restore the whole front end and was wondering if you guys have any leads? NPD has a kit for $229.00 for a 65 chevelle that would work. I believe. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Joe:3gears:
Joe, Be careful of kits. Some have inferior parts in them made overseas. I would try to stick with MOOG or TRW parts. I'm sure others will chime in with good brands. I have found these inferior parts especially when it comes to ball joints. Yes they are more expensive, but when it comes to your safety money shouldn't be the only consideration. I think everything you need is still available with the possible exception of the upper control arm shafts and bushings. It has been a few years since I went looking for front end parts so some of my information may be dated. Good luck! Greg
Thanks Greg. I am looking into my local parts store buddy and will know more on monday. I will do more research before I give up the green. Besides i'm sure I wouldn't get bad info around here. I figured a few days and everyone will chime in. Thanks Joe.
I had another thought,(sometimes when you're over 50 you have to wait for them to come together) You mentioned a Chevy kit. I am pretty sure that the upper control arms on a Chevy A body are different from Buick. I don't know what else if anything is different, but I'd stick to buying parts specific to Skylark or you may wind up with parts you can't use. You also say you have a parts store buddy, that's great! When I find a good parts house, I buy everything from them. When they realize that you are a loyal customer, they work harder for you. Unfortunately the last place I had went out of business 3 years ago and I am still searching for a replacement parts house that is even willing to look up parts for old cars. So far NAPA can't be bothered, nor can Shucks, nor Auto Zone. I have found one (Big Wheel) but he is about 15 miles from me so it is a pain to get there. I do spend all my car repair money there and let him know why even though it is a drive. Greg
if your going for a restoration type deal then the chevelle kit won't be correct. 65 Buick uses special upper control arm shafts and steel bushings. Stay far away from PST or any other discount typoe complete suspension kit. I ended up ordering my Moog parts seperately from NAPA and got quality parts. reuse your upper control arm bushing boots becuase nobody makes correct version anymore and finding NOS is tough. they should clean up nicely with hot water and dawn dishwashing soap.
I just bought Moog ball joints from rockauto.com. Great prices, and if you do a google search for "rockauto discount codes" you will get codes good for another 5% off - equal to my shipping cost. Oh, and there is a $15 rebate right now on Moog ball joints, tie rod ends, and idler arms! The only good kit I found was at OPG. It contained all Moog, and was a bit pricey. The upper control arm shafts are very expensive ($120+) per side. I lucked out as although I have a '65 chassis, the upper arms are from '66+, and therefore the shafts are much less expensive (+-$40). I am looking for a vendor that carries the Moog thermoplastic bushings. Nobody advertises anything but the rubber bushings. Look for the recent '65 thread in "the whoa and sway" for discussion and pictures of the actual '65 parts. Best Wishes, Joe M.
