Topic: Mustang 1966 M/S 6 cylinder Idler Arm... Which one is correct?

[Maksim27]

I have an idler arm that came with my car when I got from the PO...  The idler arm is installed in the car.  I don't know if it is original or NORS or Aftermarket.  I also purchased a OEM rebuilt idler arm that seems to be correct... I'm not sure if different idler arms were used in different Factories or years.  I don't think the idler arm installed in my car is original as it has a zerk fitting.  Probably the Aftermarket idler arm gives a smoother turning ratio than the OEM Idler arm.

The first picture is the Idler arm that is installed in the car... Can you tell me if Ford also used that type of Idler arm on the Mustang or is that Aftermarket. 

If anyone knows please advise me... I started preparing the OEM idler arm for cosmetic restoration.  Will use perma-blue and RPM.  Not sure if the two holes surround should be machine surfaces such as bare metal or perma blue that too.

Jan 66 C4 200 San Jose

[J_Speegle]

You are correct in believing that Ford did not use an idler arm with a zert filling nor a provision for a fitting originally on your car

On the other you asked about the "pads" where the center link and tire rod attach finishes. Looking at arms from other applications with a similar design those are not machined on the example I have from that different application

[Maksim27]

I just Perma-blued the Idler Arm...  Hopefully the color tone is correct...The Idler arm does have pits which I don't know if that was Factory or corrosion.  Might get an NOS Idler arm with smoother iron metal... Still trying to decide on what to do...

I was also wondering should there be a green paint strip on either the Idler arm or the shaft or both of them. 

As you can see the color tone of the shaft is different from the Idler arm as a few years ago I had the shaft phosphate plated.  Don't know if the color tone needs to be the same on both the shaft and Idler arm.

[J_Speegle]

I just Perma-blued the Idler Arm...  Hopefully the color tone is correct...The Idler arm does have pits which I don't know if that was Factory or corrosion.  Might get an NOS Idler arm with smoother iron metal... Still trying to decide on what to do...

I was also wondering should there be a green paint strip on either the Idler arm or the shaft or both of them. 

On the bracket NOT the arm itself typically

As you can see the color tone of the shaft is different from the Idler arm as a few years ago I had the shaft phosphate plated.  Don't know if the color tone needs to be the same on both the shaft and Idler arm.

IMHO they need to be close or the difference will stand out and not look original