Author Topic: Ball Joints 69 Camaro  (Read 14922 times)

69Z28freak

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Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« on: May 12, 2013, 05:26:22 AM »
Here is a comparison between the stock ball joints and the after market units I purchased. They appear to be quite different. I am curious if other brands like the ones at Heart Beat City are closer to original than the ones I have currently. I plan to rivet the new ball joints in like the factory. I am hoping that it is possible to find units that look more correct that the repops.





Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

painterdude

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #1 on: May 12, 2013, 04:05:10 PM »
Just compared a HBC original one to my original ones side by side the other day . They are close at first glance ,the bigest thing that I noticed are the spot welds on the top of them are a lot smaller.That and that ugly little gold sticker on the bag it cames in.

firstgenaddict

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2013, 01:33:15 AM »
No one reproduces the correct step top ball joint.


An original bubble top,


My 10D Lemans Blue car had the original bubble tops when I took it apart.

The 04C RS/Z had Step tops and had NOS step tops put back in.

I have never seen an original 68 A or F body car with anything besides bubble tops and have never seen a 70 A or X with anything other than step tops.







The NOS Step topped ball joints are difficult to find and can run as high as $500 a pair.
James
Collectin' Camaro's since "Only Rednecks drove them"
Current caretaker of 1971 LT1's - 11130 and 21783 Check out the Black 69 RS/Z28 45k mile Survivor and the Lemans Blue 69 Z 10D frame off...
https://plus.google.com/photos/112392262205377424364/albums?banner=pwa

69Z28freak

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2013, 04:43:16 AM »
Thanks James that is good information. I was going to try to find some that are more correct, but look like that would not be the best use of my time or money. The only reason I am changing them is because the are 43 years old and I am restoring everything. The current replacement ball joints I have are off shore made in India parts. I may see what HBC has for sale. With that said I wonder if there is any point riveting in after market ball joints. I also assume that using my originals is not a good idea from a safety perspetive.
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

firstgenaddict

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2013, 07:54:40 AM »
The boxes that the NOS bubble tops pictured above were dated Feb 1967
James
Collectin' Camaro's since "Only Rednecks drove them"
Current caretaker of 1971 LT1's - 11130 and 21783 Check out the Black 69 RS/Z28 45k mile Survivor and the Lemans Blue 69 Z 10D frame off...
https://plus.google.com/photos/112392262205377424364/albums?banner=pwa

NoYenko

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #5 on: May 15, 2013, 12:04:30 PM »
James, great pictures.
I only had one original upper ball joint on my early 69. It had the bubble top. The ones HBC sell were very close to the original but had additional weld points on top. Overall I was pretty happy with them. George

jeff68

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #6 on: May 15, 2013, 12:20:32 PM »
I also assume that using my originals is not a good idea from a safety perspetive.
If the originals are not worn out, I don't see any reason not to use them from a safety standpoint.  I chose to keep my originals versus installing offshore reproductions.  I feel safer with originals.
68 L30/M20 Convertible, Ash Gold
N10, F41, N34, Z21, ZJ9, Z87, D55, G80, P01, U17

69Z28-RS

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2013, 02:57:36 PM »
I reused my uppers also (they were good and tight), but replaced the lowers...
there is very little load (only lateral) on the uppers, so they generally last 2-3 times longer even in a car that sees lot of miles...
Attached is a photo of my orig upper, after removal for cleaning and suspension & brake rebuilding.. and reinstallation.   
These uppers are the originals, never replaced on my 09C 69 Z28..
« Last Edit: May 15, 2013, 04:07:42 PM by 69Z28-RS »
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

rszmjt

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #8 on: May 15, 2013, 03:44:08 PM »
As noted, I have changed lots of lowers, but as a rule the uppers last a lot longer. If you feel like you want new ones, then use the Heratbeat ball joints, they are close enough for what you are doing IMO.
 BTW riveting them in is not that hard, if you don't want to tackle it, take them to a big rig truck shop, they will have a rivit press and the tools.

69Z28freak

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2013, 02:51:31 AM »
As noted, I have changed lots of lowers, but as a rule the uppers last a lot longer. If you feel like you want new ones, then use the Heratbeat ball joints, they are close enough for what you are doing IMO.
 BTW riveting them in is not that hard, if you don't want to tackle it, take them to a big rig truck shop, they will have a rivit press and the tools.

Thanks Mike. I could not get a good picture of the HBC balljoints from the photo of the full suspension rebuild kit I ordered. However like with many of the parts I have been acquiring, I have purchased most parts in repop and or used and I then compare all of the parts and choose the parts I think look the most correct and will work the best for that particular application. In most cases it comes down to original parts from my car or used parts I have found. Some parts make sense to used repop, like the brake lines, fuel lines, some brake components etc. When safety is involved I am hoping that a repop of the highest quality is the better choice. Let me know if you have any parts lying around that you think that I might be able to use.
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

lynnbilodeau

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2013, 04:02:44 AM »
Unless really abused and left ungreased, the uppers rarely wear out.  I kept mine and replaced the boots only.  That way I didn't have to worry about rivets matching up.

69Z28freak

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2013, 04:14:03 AM »
Unless really abused and left ungreased, the uppers rarely wear out.  I kept mine and replaced the boots only.  That way I didn't have to worry about rivets matching up.

Thanks Lynn. That is good information. I am not expert, but I think all of my ball joints seem alright. They are really stiff. I was planning to replace them all as they are all original. However like with most of the parts on the car, I am trying to keep as many original parts as possible. My main concern was changing parts for safety. But like with many of the other parts, perhaps some of the original parts may in fact still be strong and safe. Perhaps stronger and safer than off shore stuff. Just saying!
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

lynnbilodeau

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2013, 12:21:29 AM »
Original GM ball joints will have quite a bit of play LONG before they are a serious safety issue.  On first gen Camaros, it is usually tie rods and ilder arm that go first.

I know most guys go with Moog tie rods, but Raybestos makes a really good one with larger ball socket.  Can't remember what they call it, but it is the higher priced one of the two they offer.   Rock Auto has them at a good price.

They do not look exactly like the originals, but I consider parts like that to be wear items, and just don't worry too much about being a perfect match.  Just like I am not worried about having a 69 issue fan belt on  my car.


firstgenaddict

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2013, 03:06:42 AM »
NOS tie rods run about $125 each now...
James
Collectin' Camaro's since "Only Rednecks drove them"
Current caretaker of 1971 LT1's - 11130 and 21783 Check out the Black 69 RS/Z28 45k mile Survivor and the Lemans Blue 69 Z 10D frame off...
https://plus.google.com/photos/112392262205377424364/albums?banner=pwa

69Z28freak

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #14 on: May 17, 2013, 10:21:24 PM »
Here are the HBC units on the online catalogue.

Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro


NoYenko

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #16 on: May 19, 2013, 05:49:11 PM »
I am pretty sure those Tie rod ends on E bay are not correctly listed. I believe the grease fitting should be parallel with the stud on both inner & outer tie rod ends.George

lynnbilodeau

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #17 on: May 19, 2013, 08:40:43 PM »
George.  You are correct.  I didn't even look because I am not interested in them at that price anyway.  Those must be later service replacement parts, consolidated with Vega Monza, etc.


69Z28freak

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Re: Ball Joints 69 Camaro
« Reply #18 on: May 21, 2013, 07:38:05 PM »
Here are the 2 type of ball joints available from Heartbeat City.

There are the factory assembly line correct units that are made offshore but look correct.



These units are the made in USA, however, they do not appear as correct. Which ones are guys using for restorations is the question.



Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro