Hello everyone, I've had a pair of lower control arms give out, and looking to purchase a set of the tubular qa1 for replacement. Since an electra is not listed, can someone tell me if the control arms from a 72' caprice/impala, lesabre, or riviera will work for my application or does the electra stand alone? Thanks much guys for any info.
If they have one for a 72 lesabre, that should work. Though I checked the qa1 website and the listing only goes back to 1978.
In 1972, all GM B, C, and E bodies used the same part numbers for upper and lower control arms. I guess that doesn't necessarily guarantee that aftermarket parts share the same cross-platform commonality.
Thanks fellas, as always you come through in the clutch, just to confirm the 71-73 impala/caprice is considered the b body platform?
In addition to the Impala & Caprice, B Body makes/models in 1972 include: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_B_platform Buick Centurion, LeSabre Chevy Biscayne, Bel Air Olds Delta 88 Pontiac Bonneville, Catalina, Grand Ville After I get my engine back, I'm going to drive my '72 Riviera for a while to get a more recent frame of reference of how it handles and then replace the control arms with the QA1s or the ones offered by either Global West or Southside Machine Performance https://www.globalwest.net/impala-c...-77-78-79-80-81-82-83-84-85-86-87-88-89-.html https://southsidemachineperformance.com/shop-1/ols/categories/1971-1977-gm-b-body
Thanks for posting this info Matt. I didn't think you could get fancy pants rear control arms for the 71 - 76 B bodies. Also thanks for confirming all the 71 - 76 GM B bodies had the same control arms.
Glad to help! Since I haven't bought any of the aftermarket parts yet, I cannot 100% confirm that they'll fit the other platforms, but I am confident enough that I will buy them (probably in Mar2023). If Caddy stuff is desired, they have a few C Body models. I mention this because that may potentially be an alternative to finding a rear-end from a B Body (with the 8.5" diff) to replace the rear-ends with the 9 3/8" diffs. Metco Motorsports is another option for the rear control arms and they look badass. They have stock & extended length if you think the rear wheels need to sit 3/4" further back. https://metcomotorsports.com/mca0013 https://metcomotorsports.com/mca0013ext Nothing, imo, will trump the fancy pantsness & badassery of the control arms that Kacper built for his ride. https://v8buick.com/index.php?threads/engine-replacing.378794/
I'll probably get the southside ones. They are cost effective and they have holes for a swaybar. I'm more a go than a show guy.
I'm not trying to convince you otherwise as I have no experience with any of the companies, but the trailing arms offered by all three have holes for a swaybar (however Metco does say "compatibility with the factory rear sway bar is unconfirmed.") I'm probably going with Global West...I've heard nothing but good things about their proprietary(?) Del-A-Lum bushings. Regardless, please let me know your thoughts on the SMPs after you get them installed.
Thanks much guys, this info is golden and I'll for post updates, but the global west stuff looks like what I'm looking for a price isn't too bad aswell.
Hey guys I can't find any replacement control bolt hardware available for my 72', any insight on sizes and lengths? Am I correct in figuring for grade 8 bolts as the ones of choice or is there something different needed. Thank you
If you aren’t in a hurry. Inline tube makes the right style bolt and nut. Part number 11354 for 4 of them. Cheapest way to buy inline tube is usually eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/64-72-All-Gm-Pontiac-Olds-Chevy-Buick-A-Body-Rear-Control-Arm-Washers-4-Pc-Set/195366082603 the UMI bolt kit looks like grade 8 bolts and cheaper washers and nylocks https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upi-4002 if there is a tractor supply near you, you can buy the bolts, washers and nuts by the pound and you cane make your own kit like the UMI for less sorry forgot the size 1/2”-13 UNC bolts 4.5” long
Hey guys I finally got finished with my lower control arm/coilover install. I absolutely love it, I will be doing the uppers here soon to complete the setup plus, the new lowers make them look hideous! I used the 72' caprice/impala arms from global west and they fit and is a quality peice.
Corporate Interchange started for the '71 model year large cars (Fall '70) so would have to lean towards no. Have stock '69 Electra backing plates, loaded with all hardware and in very clean condition. The attached spindles are excellent.
