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02-17-2024, 11:15 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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I took a "stupid pill"!
When stuff just happens, I can deal with it. When it's something I know better and F something up just from being a dumbazz, it is hard to take.
1. When I had the lower control arms ('66, 3/4 ton) blasted years ago, they went ahead and sprayed a thick primer on it. They didn't mask the threads. I managed to get them pretty well cleaned out using a Bernzo, sharp objects and a wire brush. 2. I got all new end nuts (bushings) and test fit them. They started in ok, had some resistance from residue but should have no problem. 3. Had a stretch where every time I'd start working on it, something would call me away. Eventually had 3 of the 4 on, and was ready for the last one. The next night I had about 5 minutes to "play" and wanted to at least get that crossed off the list. Went out and started cranking with the 3/4 drive ratchet. Like the others, it did fight me a bit. I figured once the threads broke through it would be easy. 4. Instead of THINKING and realizing something was wrong, I kept putting more and more force on it. So I had NOT gotten the last one started the previous time in the shop, and cross-threaded it as I resumed work. Now I pay the price. Pics below. The end nut is no big deal, ballpark $15 plus shipping. But I'm thinking the control arm has had the banana. Threads are bad, and the outer surface - which I believe is where the critical interface is - is hacked bad. I'm not seeing lower control arms for a 3/4 ton at Classic or some of the others. What are my best options? Is there a decent source for used parts? What are the thoughts on having this one built up with weld, then re-tapped? What is that, 1 5/8"-16? Can that be accomplished accurately enough? Thanks for any suggestions. It's an expensive reminder not to rush through something when you're only half paying attention. |
02-18-2024, 10:53 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
I don't think I would try to repair that.
If you know any truck guys they may have a set laying around, I know I just junked a set of '68 lowers and a set of '85 lowers because no one wanted them. Good luck, Rg
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
02-18-2024, 11:02 AM | #3 | |
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Location: Rochester NY
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Quote:
One problem is here in Yankee-land, years of salt take a toll on parts. We will be going to Tennessee for a month starting in April, I may see if there's anything in the Chattanooga area. With some guys going to more modern suspensions there's got to be some sitting around somewhere. Thanks! |
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02-18-2024, 12:54 PM | #4 |
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Location: Murray, Kentucky
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
You could buy new if you are in a hurry. Here's a set on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31383226385...7gpcFzkYUNlYWI They are for a C20 but I'm pretty sure all you need to do is change the balljoint to the 66 balljoint. You can ask around on the site to double check this.
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
02-18-2024, 01:32 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Roger, thanks - that looks promising, but confusing. I have a '66 C20, 283. When I enter my truck in to check the application, it says "will not fit". But then click on "show parts that will fit" and about the 10th thing down is this same item. I even went around the circle again to be sure.
Wondering if anybody is familiar with this vendor. I know C10 and C20 parts are different, but looking at LMC their C10 set comparable to this is almost $500 and I believe there's shipping on top of that. I don't WANT to pay more money but don't want something made of Chineseium, or a scam seller. Often, if it sounds too good to be true, it IS. I appreciate your help! |
02-18-2024, 10:42 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
If you can find some C20 arms through Facebook marketplace and if they're near Canton, GA, I can pick them up for you and we'll set up a time to meet when you're down in Chattanooga in April.
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Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
02-19-2024, 12:17 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Thank you sir, that's a generous offer and I'll keep it in mind. If that comes to be, lunch is on me! I worked briefly for the railroad in Copperhill TN and stayed in Blue Ridge at the time. You are in a very beautiful area for sure! We have a daughter in Cleveland, just outside Chattanooga, and if it were just up to me we'd be there full time. But there's too many grandkids up here and the beautiful bride won't hear of a permanent move.
I did some poking around the internet, found several large parts yards in the southwest. I have not talked to any of them yet and hopefully can find something closer but there should at least be some options. My search will continue. |
02-23-2024, 01:46 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 2,082
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Have you tried Aspen Auto? They are here in AZ but ship all over
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Sanity'66 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=515110 Long bed, Fleetside, Small back window I've Done So Much, With So Little, For So Long, That Now I Can Do Anything With Nothing. |
02-23-2024, 02:20 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: brentwood,cal,usa
Posts: 4,930
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
we have all "been there done that" at least a few times, hell I have large bottle of of these "stupid pills" and it aint even half empty yet i'm 65 years old and i'm sure i'll empty that bottle sooner than later- i've always lived by the philosophy- "when all else fails force it, if it breaks it needed replacing anyhow" best of luck in your search, post a WTB in the parts section and i'm sure someone on here can help you out.
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jerry moss 72 cheyenne super K20- tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,tow hooks,bumper guards,toolbox,aux. fuel tank,posi front and rear,plus other goodies!!! SOLD 69 suburban K20-tilt,tach,vacuum,speedwarning,buckets,shoulder belts,am/fm,4 inch all spring lift,4 speed, 14 bolt full floater, dana 44 HD,warn winch,posi front and rear,tow hooks,plus other goodies. 73/80 chevy/gmc K20 SB400,turbo 400,205,tilt,a-c,gas hog. 77 K/5 cheyenne blazer-daily driver/beater. SON HAS IT NOW BRENTWOOD,CALIFORNIA |
02-23-2024, 06:11 PM | #10 | |
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Location: Rochester NY
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Quote:
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02-23-2024, 06:15 PM | #11 | |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Quote:
Some of those places have incredible inventories! |
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10-26-2024, 11:57 AM | #12 | |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Quote:
The description is TRQ Lower Front Control Arm w/ Ball Joint Pair 2pc for Chevy GMC 3/4 1 ton 2WD which seems good. When I go to the "Confirm this item fits", enter my vehicle '66 C20, 283, it says will NOT fit your vehicle. So right there is the bar "Find parts that fit", and when I click that, and go down the list it takes me back to the same #%&! part I started with! Anybody familiar with this seller? Anybody know why it might NOT fit? I'm going to be away from this afternoon for a couple days but hopefully after that I can move ahead. |
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11-08-2024, 05:57 PM | #13 |
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Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Finally able to close this matter! 🙂 Per post #8, I contacted Aspen Auto. Absolutely great people to deal with! Contacted them late last Friday (late afternoon Eastern time). Jaime texted me right back, and I placed the order. He texted me again Saturday, with pics of 2 styles to make sure which I needed. The part was shipped that same day.
It arrived today, was just what I ordered, and appears to be in excellent shape. We all be-itch when a vendor falls short - I want to say these folks deserve a pat on the back for service as it should be. I would certainly do business with them again. And another thanks to all who have contributed advice and suggestions on this thread. Thanks guys - the project moves forward. |
11-08-2024, 06:16 PM | #14 |
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
Posts: 3,661
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Glad this worked out for you! Tenacity! Can't be taught...
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
11-08-2024, 06:22 PM | #15 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
I say I'm tenacious and persistent. My wife says I'm stubborn.
I really need to stay focused on this particular project more, starting and stopping (for long periods of time) just invite problems when rushing the job to catch up. |
11-08-2024, 06:34 PM | #16 |
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Murray, Kentucky
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Nah dude, you are a truck guy. You know where you are headed even if the rest of the unwashed masses don't see your vision. Keep working at it, one day they will understand.
By the way, my wife used to say I was stubborn but she has recently asked if she can have my current project. I said yes but only because she has always supported me no matter what I was doing. Good luck, Rg
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
11-08-2024, 06:44 PM | #17 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Yes, a good woman is essential for stuff like this. My now-wife had known me less than a year when we chain-towed this truck 3 hours home, and she had never chain-towed before. That was 1982. If she didn't leave me after that, she never will.
I got it running and drove it on my second job for several years, then parked it pending restoration. My problem is taking on other projects as well, along with life in general - and realizing I'm not 30 any more and a lot of other numbers beyond that! She isn't into trucks and cars herself but is vey understanding with my hobby. She'd rather find me in the garage with a wrench than in a bar with a wench! 😄 |
11-08-2024, 06:47 PM | #18 | |
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
Quote:
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Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 |
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11-08-2024, 07:22 PM | #19 |
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Rochester NY
Posts: 117
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Re: I took a "stupid pill"!
I mentioned chain towing the truck home. Here's what it looked like when we picked it up (which was the first time I had actually seen it in person). 1 flat tire, no fluid in the master cylinder, a few other minor annoyances. And since it didn't run, no heat on the way back, either.
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