1969 Front End Rebuild

[fine69]

Hi everyone. I have my front end completely stripped (engine, suspension, steering, radiator, etc..).

In replacinf the ball joints into the upper control arm, I received bolts to be used instead of the the original rivets. The original holes are slightly too small. I tried the "freeze the bolts" trick, but no-go. I am hesitant to drill-out the holes.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

I recently visited Tony of Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, MD.... he will inspect this for me after I get it all put back together (so that's one fail-safe!).

Thanks

 

[Stingray6974]

That is normal. I would have been surprised if you didn't have to drill them.

Mike

 

[JohnZ]

The instructions that come with the replacement ball joints tell you that you need to drill the holes in the control arm slightly larger to install the bolts.

 

[fine69]

Mike and JohnZ,

Thank you for your replies - which are worth a ton! The ball joints were delivered without instructions.

I'll get busy this evening. I have soooo much more to do!

Thanks again.

 

[ChuckG]

Why not let Tony rivet the new ones on for you? Take them to Jose...he can do them for you ASAP. chuck