Topic: 1968 San Jose GT 390 Fastback A-Arm Restoration

[J_Speegle]

Not sure what happening but the info on the top A-Arms is no longer available

Not sure if Marcus got to the uppers in his article to this point.

A related discussion that touches on the different versions

[bullitt68]

Not sure if Marcus got to the uppers in his article to this point.

A related discussion that touches on the different versions

From what I gather the procedure is to replace the upper A-Arm and not the bushings. I am going to assume that finding NOS or original A-Arms may prove difficult.

[Bob Gaines]

From what I gather the procedure is to replace the upper A-Arm and not the bushings. I am going to assume that finding NOS or original A-Arms may prove difficult.

Because NOS versions were used up first before the 3 bolt upper version was introduced they will be very hard to find . Used ones needing rebuilt is what you typically can find .On the uppers you find usable or NOS inner shafts and ether usable used ball joints ,close aftermarket ball joints or NOS ball joints . there are repro boots that look close and harder to find and more expensive NOS boots.There are various repro versions of the complete upper and lower assembly which vary in originality compared to assemblyline . Others will have to comment on those as I don't keep up with the repro offerings .

[bullitt68]

Because NOS versions were used up first before the 3 bolt upper version was introduced they will be very hard to find . Used ones needing rebuilt is what you typically can find .On the uppers you find usable or NOS inner shafts and ether usable used ball joints ,close aftermarket ball joints or NOS ball joints . there are repro boots that look close and harder to find and more expensive NOS boots.There are various repro versions of the complete upper and lower assembly which vary in originality compared to assemblyline . Others will have to comment on those as I don't keep up with the repro offerings .

Thanks Bob. My lower A-Arms are fine other than they are not correct. As for the Upper A-Arms the ball joints are most likely worn. I guess the big questions is how difficult will it be to find suitable replacements vs an acceptable substitute if there is one. I am also not familiar with any aftermarkets offerings either as I have no experience purchasing aftermarket parts.

[J_Speegle]

There are a couple of threads on reproduction uppers. You would need to check to see if any of the details or if the same is available today when comparing the info to the posting date.

For used one - inspect closely for cracks which can develop (especially out towards the ball joint).

[bullitt68]

There are a couple of threads on reproduction uppers. You would need to check to see if any of the details or if the same is available today when comparing the info to the posting date.

For used one - inspect closely for cracks which can develop (especially out towards the ball joint).

Thanks Jeff that is good advice.I am not familiar with what parts guys are using from the aftermarket when restoring their cars. In the past I have used very little aftermarket parts on other cars unless they are essential safety or mechanical parts that are needed to replace worn or irreplaceable original or NOS parts.

[bullitt68]

This thread should be deleted and the post reinstated in one of the recent control arm threads.

Sorry Bill just found the other A-Arm thread. Its great and I will jump over there for info but as Jeff pointed out there is a difference between 67 & 68 A-Arms

[bullitt68]

This thread should be deleted and the post reinstated in one of the recent control arm threads.

I kept the thread going as Jeff replied to it, but have posted in your thread that seems to have been from 2017. Just curious where people are buying the bushings and ball joints. Obviously some buy NOS if they are lucky enough to find them, but where else can we find suitable replacements for restoration. I am looking for a complete set for upper and lower A-Arms 1968. I have seem some on various websites, but want to check and see what guys are using here before I purchase something I may end up not using. (Yes I have done that before and wished I had asked the stupid questions first)

[67gtasanjose]

Has anyone simply cut down original 67 arms to be used on a 68?

That is the primary difference between the 67 upper control arms and 68''s to my understanding anyways...that and the bolt type and bolt finish (re: bolts that secure the upper arms to the shock tower).

[bullitt68]

Has anyone simply cut down original 67 arms to be used on a 68?

That is the primary difference between the 67 upper control arms and 68''s to my understanding anyways...that and the bolt type and bolt finish (re: bolts that secure the upper arms to the shock tower).

I found a set of original correct A-Arms with 4 rivet holes. I am wondering if I can still get the correct ball joints or if only the 3 hole style is available now. I am not interested in paying up for NOS ones if I can avoid it. I would rivet the ball joint in however to look correct

[Bob Gaines]

Has anyone simply cut down original 67 arms to be used on a 68?

That is the primary difference between the 67 upper control arms and 68''s to my understanding anyways...that and the bolt type and bolt finish (re: bolts that secure the upper arms to the shock tower).

Yes they have.

[RoyceP]

Get the repro boots and a pair of these. Rivet them in place. Use plugs after you grease them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Suspension-Ball-Joint-Front-Upper-Moog-K8036/282590666220?fits=Year%3A1968%7CModel%3AMustang%7CMake%3AFord&epid=74408672&hash=item41cbb75dec:g:aeQAAOSwUKhblikT

[bullitt68]

Get the repro boots and a pair of these. Rivet them in place. Use plugs after you grease them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Suspension-Ball-Joint-Front-Upper-Moog-K8036/282590666220?fits=Year%3A1968%7CModel%3AMustang%7CMake%3AFord&epid=74408672&hash=item41cbb75dec:g:aeQAAOSwUKhblikT

Great thanks. Where do the plugs go?

[RoyceP]

In place of the grease fittings. That's how they came from Ford originally.

Great thanks. Where do the plugs go?

[carlite65]

on the ad pic i do not see a hole for the fitting/plug.......am i blind today??