Control Arm Bushings

Can you still get control arm bushings from GM for my '71 GS? How are the complete kits from OPG? I would like to start reassembling the frame and rear in the next two weeks.

Len

 

Do you mean front or rear control arms?

-Bob Cunningham

 

Len, GM still sells the bushings but they are all made by the same manufacturer so if you order them from NAPA or wherever they will look the same and probably be newer to boot (I compared GM bushings to napa and to parts source bushings and they were identical right down to the small name and number embossed in the rubber).

Oh yeah, and about 1/3 the price too.

later
Tim

 

Tim;

Thanks again. I will stop by NAPA tomorrow. I should have my frame back by tomorrow or Friday. Can't wait to see how it came out. While I got your attention. Did you purchase all new bolts and nuts for the control arms and such, or did not refinish them?

Len

 

Hi Len, I purchased new bolts from GM for my suspension....they are very pricey but on the other hand are the only ones I could find that were totally correct.I also had some that were recoated with an industrial finish (the lower arm forward bolts with the rally suspension are not the same as the others, can't buy them anywhere). I know a lot of guys simply used grade 8 form the local bolt house, works well and costs about 1/10th of what the GM ones did. All in what you want.

To bad we aren't neighbors, we would get along well I am sure! :beer

later
Tim

 

Sorry to butt in.

Tim,

So if I understand you correctly, I can by my front control arm bushings and rear control arm bushings from NAPA?

Would they then stock the rest of my front end, ball joints and tie ends,etc?

Thanks, Scott

 

Yup the GM and the NAPA bushings both said "harris" and the same number molded into the rubber. NAPA also sells thefront end parts, I have no idea on quality....

later
Tim

 

I used the OPG rubber MOOG kit from OPG and found it to be excellent and a little cheaper then piece parts. Note that Zone and Advance sell the center link for "way cheap" - $30 I think and its also MOOG.

- Bill

 

Thanks Tim and Bill

Scott

 

Tim;

I didn't get to NAPA today, too many meetings. I will be stopping by there tomorrow. I did call my local Buick dealership to see what they had for bolts. They didn't have anything. They did have my rear spring insulators though, cheap ($ 3.33 each). I will check with the local Chevy dealership to see if maybe they have them.

Talk to you soon.

Len