Control Arms: Where To Buy, What To Do

[Evan Wojtkiewicz]

Hello all,

I need to source a good set of upper control arm assemblies for my 1967 DeVille.

The rear bushing has come out of the right side control arm, as have both bolts. The flanges in which the bushings are pressed into have been enlarged and distorted. While the left side hasn't failed (yet), it appears that the flange is likewise bent.

This is being repaired (re-repaired?) by the shop that replaced the bushings earlier this year. Once the parts are sourced, they will either come to my place to make the repair or tow the car to their shop. The manager tells me that if they can't source the control arms they'll press in some new bushings, replace the bolts, and call it a day. The shop (a national chain) seems to be making a decent effort to fix this so far, and I'm trying to help to expedite this, but I won't be accepting new bushings in damaged control arms as "fixed".

Does anyone sell refurbished/new control arms with new bushings pre-installed?

If they wind up buying used original parts from eBay, etc. with rotted bushings/ball joints, can they replace those bushings and be "good as new" or are these control arms useless once the bearings are shot?

If anybody has any advice in dealing with situations like these, feel free to share your experience.

[Chuck Swanson]

No one I know sells them new...maybe USA Parts refurb??.  If they are damaged, I would not use.  I ruined one by using press and not having proper spacers.  Started to make some spacers from shop manual info, but my friend said he has plenty of spacers, so brought to his shop and he removed and pressed in new Moog (search for my other posts to see).  Shop manual says if any parts bend by more than 10%?? don't try to bend back. 

I will have to check if any extra off my cars...same for 66

[Evan Wojtkiewicz]

Thank you Chaz!

USA Parts Supply does have refurbished units! I can't believe I forgot about them even though I have them bookmarked.

[David King (kz78hy)]

Evan,

Chip at Chip's Caddies thinks he has the parts (used).  Chip Iceman is a Motor City Region member and can hook you up.

He will be at the local meeting in Dec., or call me for his number.

David

[mario]

Hi Evan.  I have an upper and lower pair from my 68 Deville.  If interested, email me, cad500ci@aol.com. I am in San Francisco,  CA.
Ciao,
Mario Caimotto

[Evan Wojtkiewicz]

Thanks David and Mario, I already called emailed the shop the link to the USA parts supply units. The manager and I agreed that the best and simplest way to take care of this is to get the control arms with the bushings, etc already installed. That way, they can just swap out the old ones and I don't have to worry about any other complications.

[mario]

Evan:
Thank you for your reply. That is why I have a complete set. I did something similar.
Ciao,
Mario caimotto

[Dave Shepherd]

Would also suggest finding a shop that knows what they are doing and has the right equipment, also the control arm busing retaining bolts cannot be final tightened till the car is on the ground.