Author Topic: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original  (Read 8129 times)

Edgemontvillage

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NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« on: June 26, 2013, 07:07:13 PM »
I just purchased an NOS idler arm for my '69 Z. I have read there are some differences between the factory originals and NOS service replacements however the part I received was "missing" the cotter pin hole which struck me as a manufacturing defect. I was later told that NOS idler arms used an oval locking nut rather than the common castellated nut and cotter pin combination. Can anyone validate this observation?










 

WorkinProgress

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2013, 11:43:01 AM »
Takes an 18 mm prevailing torque nut. Uses no cotter pin. Was the last design idler arm. GM part number 14083585 Group 6.895

                                                                                                 - Warren

69Z28freak

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #2 on: June 29, 2013, 04:04:51 AM »
Takes an 18 mm prevailing torque nut. Uses no cotter pin. Was the last design idler arm. GM part number 14083585 Group 6.895

                                                                                                 - Warren

I tested the thread on this idler arm and it is a 12 mm coarse thread.
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

ZLP955

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #3 on: June 29, 2013, 06:50:57 AM »
Lloyd does the NOS idler arm have a 'C' or an 'O' stamped in between the 2 frame mounting holes?
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

Hans L

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2013, 04:38:47 PM »
Here's a close-up of the idler arm from my Z (04B, Van Nuys Build).   Note hole for cotter pin and "C" stamp.  Car had about 70,000 miles on it, all SoCal.  No reason to believe it or any suspension components were replaced (many still had original factory markings).

https://www.instagram.com/69camarorsz28/
'69 Camaro RS Z/28 Van Nuys Built
'69 Chevelle SS 396 4 Speed

Edgemontvillage

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2013, 06:18:08 AM »
Lloyd does the NOS idler arm have a 'C' or an 'O' stamped in between the 2 frame mounting holes?

The NOS arm isn't stamped on either side of the bracket that bolts to the frame.

68camaroz28

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2013, 12:51:15 AM »
Our 68Z has an "O" stamped idler arm.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
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R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

67rs/ss350 68z/28

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2013, 01:13:21 PM »
My 04D 68Z has the letter "C" stamped idler arm

1968 Z28

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2013, 05:57:00 PM »
My 1968, 07C, Z28 has a "C".
Jerry G.

Z28-1968-07C-Norwood
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2nd. Owner, 38,000 miles

Boston14

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #9 on: July 07, 2013, 12:43:50 PM »
My 1969, 11D (68) SS has a "C".
boston14

1969 SS/RS 350 Convertible
Dover White with Black Top and D90 stripe, Red Standard Interior

Edgemontvillage

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Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
« Reply #10 on: August 01, 2013, 06:46:47 PM »
Thanks for the feedback and photos. Its clear the NOS Idler Arm I located is a later, service replacement and differs somewhat from the factory original.  I located a nice original and installed that instead.