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67 gt500 upper control arm

Started by Jeb67, September 23, 2024, 03:51:24 PM

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Jeb67

Goo afternoon my inquiry is are there markings or date codes on an original upper control arm and if so where to look? Also if I need to replace the shaft bushings on a control arm how as it appears to be threading on each side of the shaft rather than an appearance of pressed in bushings?

Bob Gaines

Quote from: Jeb67 on September 23, 2024, 03:51:24 PMGoo afternoon my inquiry is are there markings or date codes on an original upper control arm and if so where to look? Also if I need to replace the shaft bushings on a control arm how as it appears to be threading on each side of the shaft rather than an appearance of pressed in bushings?
Some but not all uppers and lowers have numbers that can resemble date codes. They are extremely small if they are even legible. Typically seen if there on the side up by the ball joint. The existence of those numbers that can resemble date codes is good historical trivia but not something that is very relevant in a historical restoration IMO.   
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

J_Speegle

#2
Yes the upper a arm bushings are threaded as shown in the picture below




As for the markings there are typically stampings near the inner arms where the bushings are attached and out towards the end (ball joint) as Bob mentioned. IMO the markings are part of the details that make up the car. The weight you place on them may not be the same as another person. It's your choice and car when choosing how far you will go. For many its a very difficult location to see so they are sometimes over looked or not added if someone is restoring a car with reproduction parts

Jeff Speegle- Mustang & Shelby detail collector, ConcoursMustang.com mentor :) and Judge

Jeb67

#3
Quote from: J_Speegle on September 23, 2024, 05:28:55 PMYes the upper a arm bushings are threaded as shown in the picture below




As for the markings there are typically stampings near the inner arms where the bushings are attached and out towards the end (ball joint) as Bob mentioned. IMO the markings are part of the details that make up the car. The weight you place on them may not be the same as another person. It's your choice and car when choosing how far you will go. For many its a very difficult location to see so they are sometimes over looked or not added if someone is restoring a car with reproduction parts


Jeff what about the flat headed screw that appears as if it holds the outer nut that threads into shaft? Also in your Pic it only shows a rubber o ring is that all that hardware and it doesn't use a rubber bushing like other upper control arm shafts? I have not disassembled mine yet but was inquiring so I have all when reassembling.

J_Speegle

Quote from: Jeb67 on September 23, 2024, 07:24:19 PMJeff what about the flat headed screw that appears as if it holds the outer nut that threads into shaft?

Never recall seeing a flat head screw used on an upper or lower a arm for Mustangs/Shelby's. Aftermarket kits can/did have different features and sometimes. In some examples you can find where a past owner or shop could ahve made some creative fixes for problems. What you have might be that but without seeing it can't be certain

By 67 factory bushings had the provision for a zert fitting though, from the factory, cars were delivered with plugs at those four locations





Quote from: Jeb67 on September 23, 2024, 07:24:19 PMAlso in your Pic it only shows a rubber o ring is that all that hardware and it doesn't use a rubber bushing like other upper control arm shafts? I have not disassembled mine yet but was inquiring so I have all when reassembling.

What was shown above was a C3 service replacement kit for very early Mustangs.

The rubber O ring is internal there are aftermarket ones that have a rubber boot for over the end of the bushing

Here is a C6OZ inner bushing kit. As mentioned, at the factory plugs would have been supplied rather than zert fittings




Here is a close up of a 69 upper I had handy


Jeff Speegle- Mustang & Shelby detail collector, ConcoursMustang.com mentor :) and Judge

Jeb67

Jeff here is the flat head screw I was mentioning above.

KR Convertible

That is a plug that can be replaced with a grease fitting (zerk) for lube.  Be careful you don't drop that control arm on your toes!  Ouch!  Lol

Bob Gaines

The factory hex headed plug does not typically have a slot in it like in your picture. AMK sells them. NPD carries them in their stock too. Typically the crowd that wants everything original will fill the upper with grease and then put plug back before installing them . The uppers are hard to add a zert to once installed many times because of clearance. A right angle shaped grease zert added before installation is what is typically installed on a well driven car. On a show car or occasional pleasure driven car once the upper is initially greased it will typically be 10-20 thousand miles if not more before it is needed to be greased again 
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

J_Speegle

Quote from: Jeb67 on September 24, 2024, 11:56:13 AMJeff here is the flat head screw I was mentioning above.

Hard to tell from the picture if that "screw" is part of the main casting of the body (never seen one done that way) of because of the picture it is separate and you could remove it. More likely. IF separate you now know that it is there not to secure anything but to access the busing and to oil it then close up the hole to keep water and dirt out.

Just not an original piece
Jeff Speegle- Mustang & Shelby detail collector, ConcoursMustang.com mentor :) and Judge

TLea

Non cut back control arms (like 67) commonly have C6 inside a triangle on underside