Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models > Suspension
66 gt suspension rebuild
etennz:
I would like to rebuild my front end soon to MCA driven concours standards,I would greatly appreicate any advice on the best brands of parts to use,If bolted upper ball joints are ok for driven cars,if and what brand boots are best for the parts not replaced etc.just any tips that I might need to know before I start.Thanks in advance.MW
CharlesTurner:
Bolt on ball joints are not acceptable in any mca class judged on authenticity
Would suggest that you post more information about your car to better help. Such as, assembly plant, scheduled build date and options.
etennz:
The car is an A code gt,4 speed coupe,built 12-18-65 in Metuchen,only options are an am radio,spinner hub caps and console.It is a very nice car now,with original engine,carb,trans,all date coded body panels etc. so I have been thinking about making the big plunge into a correct car,but I don't know how deep the water is.Since the Asheville show is next Labor Day,I thought I maybe could shoot for that if it didn't overwhelm me.Thanks
CharlesTurner:
For a concours car, I would recommend locating NOS tie rod ends or restoring originals. The boots can be replaced if they are cracked/torn. NOS idler arms seem to still be in good supply, usually some on ebay. There is a difference between p/s and non p/s and also between I6 and V8 idler arms. Same is true for the tie rod ends. I6 and V8 are different and then on p/s equipped V8, the LH side inner/outer and sleeve are larger.
For your control arms, I would recommend NOS Ford lowers, refinished properly. If your uppers are good, you can probably get new ball joints riveted on, but this will be a little expensive. You may consider NOS upper control arms, but there are some pretty good reproductions out there. Just be sure to get the 4 rivet style for your '66.
On the spring saddles, the sleeve can be replaced. Ford serviced these, so you could possible rebuild your originals with an NOS sleeve. Of course, if the saddle is rusty, then you might consider finding some rust-free originals or going with repro. Make sure these are natural finish, not painted black. See lots of show cars with these painted black for some reason. Plainly spelled out in the MCA rules.
For your strut rods, your originals are probably rusty/pitted. Some NOS ones would be a nice touch, along with Ford bushings and washers.
The AMK fasteners are pretty good for Concours. If you get real picky, you can possibly restore your original fasteners. This is time-consuming, but actually can be cheaper than buying all new. Of course, you'll have to spend some time preparing the parts for re-plating and they have to be rust-free to look good after re-plate.
This should help you get started. The one thing you need to remember is that your own car is usually the best resource of information. If the parts you take off the car are original, they should be carefully cleaned to uncover any original factory markings which are a nice touch when they are reproduced on new/restored parts.
etennz:
I app. your time,I think I would like to use NOS lower arms and idler arm if I could find them,saw an ad from Scott Drake for the uppers that weren't priced out of this world.Could I ask a newbie question here?Do you think it is prudent for someone of modest means to pursue perfection like this even if he still intends to drive the car every week or maybe leave that level for others?I really can't decide.Thanks again
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