Need some advise... 71 Skylark Custom Convertible - right side control arms are shot so looking to replace both sides with something a bit better, but not go crazy. Just looking for something with quality I can bolt on to improve handling/stability. Any suggestions...? Also, is this something that can be easily done at home (no special tools required). Thanks.
there are many companies offering control arms with different prices. I used a local company called BMR who does a lot of racing, be straight line or turns and are reasonably priced compare to quality. Not familiar with other brands like UMI which seem a little cheaper. Then you have RideTech that are excellent products but expensive. You have to decide your budget and then call them and see what they recommend. A big part of it is what are you going to do with the car after is complete? What are your expectations? It's all about the money! Buying a another stock control arm, then installing new bushings with good shocks and big sway bars have worked excellent with minimal expense that has worked out great on other projects I have done. Fernando
I have UMI on my car, they’re great but pricey. My buddy autocrosses and uses speedway arms for less than 1/2 the price with 1/2” taller upper ball joints and stock replacement MOOG lower ball joints.
Thanks, guys! I went with speedway as they seem to be what I was looking for price wise and since I'm only looking for a bit better ride than before. The arms have come in, but there is a bit of a problem... the lower arms seem a bit narrow compared to the bolt fittings on the frame. When I spoke to the "tech" at speedway, he informed me that on some older cars, the ears have tendency to "move" and I can hammer the ears (with wood for protection) to make them fit. Does this sound right to you guys...? As far as I can tell, the arm is about 5mm too narrow and without one of the poly bushing, they fit perfect (ha ha).
Do you have a link to the speedway arms you bought? Its hard to answer without seeing what you ordered. The frame ears should not move. There is something called frame sag, but that is different.
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-1964-72-GM-A-Body-Chevelle-Tubular-Control-Arms,81680.html I validated with them (twice, before and after purchase when I noticed the fitment for what it's worth... ) that it would fit 71 Skylark
I doubt you're going to move those lower arms 5mm. Maybe a hyd press. Will the metal bushing fit between the ears if you pull it out of the arm? I suspect the poly/metal bushing assembly is too thick. If the metal part fits you can open up the ears to fit the whole bushing. You want it to be tight, however.
It's actually the width of the one poly busing that is 5mm that prevents the arm from fitting. If I remove the 1 poly bushing, it fits nicely but don't want the metal to metal contact. I guess I have no choice but to try and bend one of the ear out by 5mm...
