Hello people..put a 69 riv on airbags .all the test build is done now I need to reassemble..thing is I CANNOT find upper ball joints anywhere..can anyone give me a source BIG thanks for your help...Jack
I have a new 1 off a 66 riv. do you know if it fits ? I check and see if it has number on it or can you tell if you see picture of it, don't know if it's upper or lower, james..
firstly James ..yours wont fit but thanks for the tip...now Copperhead..no way am I going to have luck in England,nor would I ask here as people like to think old car parts =mucho wonga ($$$$$$$$$$$ )..can anyone tell me do GM use the same taper size on the ball joints on similar size cars(I'm prepared to alter the upper arms to take a ball joint from another model)
Cars Inc. has them. http://www.oldbuickparts.com/commerce/product_info.php?cPath=19_34&products_id=1390 Just checked with Yardley, he told me that the upper joints until recently were not replaceable. They were welded from the factory and the whole control arm was meant to be replaced. He said they have replacements now but they must be tack welded in. The above link and picture looks like they screw in, so I'm not sure.
They don't screw in. But there is a massive nut that tightens them in. Then you have to tack weld the nut to the control arm. Grinding the originals out is also a thrill. Jack, PM me. I'll get them and mail them to you if you need me to. They are kinda expensive, from what I remember. About $90 a piece (L60). There are a couple of suppliers. CARS in New Jersey. Kanter. And Buick Specialists.
Jack,the one I have is just like the one on the picture .I how ever am missing the boot, james... http://www.oldbuickparts.com/commerc...oducts_id=1390
Jack, I just looked at my Kanter catalog, page 14 shows upper ball joints for 66 - 70for $53 each. You can see the catalog at www.kanter.com. It's a pretty screwed up on line catalog, but it's there. I don't know who sold them on their webpage setup, but hey, it will work if you're patient. You can download an order form. I had the uppers replaced on my 68 about a year or so ago, they just ground off the welds, pushed out the ball joints, installed the new ones, and spot welded a couple of spots around the big nut.
Do you have to tack weld the new ones? I do not think I did that when I replaced my 64 Cat's. OH!OH!:spank: Dan
I believe it is recommended. There really isn't any other way to secure them really well. The nut does a good job, but it can loosen up.
Hey...you guys are TOP...BIIIIIIIG thanks for all the input PROUD to be a new member of the community ..Yardley that would be great cant seem to follow up.can you mail me then I can answer by return (lt001c8604@blueyonder.co.uk) MERRY CHRISTMAS y'all
Jack, email me your address, I'll send it you pay shipping plus what ever you feel is a fair price for it,it's cool I'm easy!!!!:Brow: at least thats what my wife says,o No: ,(renu3636@hotmail.com
GEEZE you guys. I was just trying to help someone find some parts he said he couldn't find anywhere else. Maybe next time someone asks for help I'll just keep my advice to myself. FYI Rare Parts are expensive but they do have what you can't find anywhere else. If their parts were readilly available and low priced, their name would probably be Cheep Parts. Loosen up on the purse strings a little and support those who carry what we need. If you drive the providers of our parts out of business by being cheap, the parts will become even more scarce. I recently watched a large Buick vendor throw out thousands of dollars of Rare Buick Parts and close their business because he couldn't make a living storing parts that weren't selling. What went into the dumpster would make a Buick lover cry. Don't ask, I won't name names but unless we encourage these vendors with our dollars, they will move onto something more profitable - like Mopar Parts. :rant: OK, I'm much better now.
I did wheel alignments for many years back in the day, and I have never seen upper ball joints on a '66-'70 Riv that were worn enough to need replacement. Those were designed to last a long time, perhaps that's why they are so scarce and were welded in. The rule is, if you can rotate the stud with your fingers it's too loose and needs to be replaced. If yours aren't that loose you are really just throwing your money away replacing them. :dollar:
Mine are like a golf ball in a bucket...least the right side is (it has suffered a hit on this side sometime in its past (witness a half inch of camber shims) on one of upper mounts
