upper control arm restoration

[Lynn]

Are the upper ball joints worn out? They don't wear out nearly as easily as the lowers. I have seen cars with 100k miles with good upper ball joints. If the boot did not split, and if they were greased periodically, they may still be good.

I masked mine off, painted them and just replaced the boots, which were just starting to rot. There is no play in the ball joints. Just another possible option. These rivets have never been out.

[Mulsanne Blue]

Originally Posted by Lynn

Are the upper ball joints worn out? They don't wear out nearly as easily as the lowers. I have seen cars with 100k miles with good upper ball joints. If the boot did not split, and if they were greased periodically, they may still be good.

I masked mine off, painted them and just replaced the boots, which were just starting to rot. There is no play in the ball joints. Just another possible option. These rivets have never been out.

Ball joints were replaced at some point using bolts. So, I'm having fun bringing my '70 z back to original.

[HuggerSS]

What is my best choice for a aftermarket correct lower ball joint?

[ssl78]

Were did you get new boots and how are they put in

[Lynn]

One of the Corvette specialty places. Was not Eckler's. I will have to do some digging to figure it out. Same as C3 upper ball joint boot. I may have bought a set for my 70 LT-1 Corvette. If so, I know it is from the same outfit.
I got sidetracked on my shop project, so after buying the Corvette and some parts, I haven't done squat to it since Feb. Will look in my stash of parts and see if I can find the receipt.

They just tuck in. The ones in the pictues are the replacement boots.

[jasonL78]

just buy the rivet bolts and save some money. No one will ever see the nuts under the control arm.