Lower Ball Joint replacement w/ Rivets
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Springfield GA
Lower Ball Joint replacement w/ Rivets
This topic has probably covered many times on here! Anyway, I need to replace the lower balljoints on my '77 L-82. I'd like to replace these, 'NCRS' correct & use rivets for the replacements instead of nuts & bolts. How does one go about 'setting' the steel rivets in the control arm w/o removing the assembly? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Springfield GA
yes, the car is a low mileage L-82 4 speed & is in excellent condition, so I want to keep it 'correct'. The ball joint boots are slightly torn and grease is coming out, so I may just find some replacement rubber boots. The ball joints themselves appear to be alright. suggestions are welcome! Thanks, 
I just realised that you can replace the boots w/o replacing the entire ball joint. I had a Mazda Miata that I had to do the very same thing to several years ago. But why GM decided to use rivets to attach these things is beyond me, besides I'm sure rivets were cheaper to use..... 
I just realised that you can replace the boots w/o replacing the entire ball joint. I had a Mazda Miata that I had to do the very same thing to several years ago. But why GM decided to use rivets to attach these things is beyond me, besides I'm sure rivets were cheaper to use.....
Last edited by MarkV; Mar 22, 2006 at 03:46 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
You are going to have to remove the ball joint from the spindle to replace it, so you may as well go ahead and remove the lower control arm to get the new ball joint riveted in. There are only 3 bolts holding it on. I think it would be difficult to rivet new ball joints on with the arm on the car.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
The General rivited them on in the first place because its cheaper and faster in a manufacturing environment. However in a home garage the bolts are the answer. If the balljoints are on them yes, boots will get you fixed up cheap and fast.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
The corvette supply houses sell rivets for just this purpose. I agree that you should take off the control arms to do this, and try to find a local metal working shop that can round the rivet heads for you. Not really a big deal.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,381
Likes: 789
From: Redondo Beach, California
Where do you get the lower ball joint rubber boots? I bought my lower ball joints about two years ago. So far they have 0 miles on them, but the rubber boots have virtually disintegrated!!!! Thanks
(When I bought them, I think I should have made a point of making sure they were AC Delco or Moog. My guess is that they are some no-name cheapy imports.)
(When I bought them, I think I should have made a point of making sure they were AC Delco or Moog. My guess is that they are some no-name cheapy imports.)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Springfield GA
Originally Posted by 68/70Vette
Where do you get the lower ball joint rubber boots? I bought my lower ball joints about two years ago. So far they have 0 miles on them, but the rubber boots have virtually disintegrated!!!! Thanks
(When I bought them, I think I should have made a point of making sure they were AC Delco or Moog. My guess is that they are some no-name cheapy imports.)
(When I bought them, I think I should have made a point of making sure they were AC Delco or Moog. My guess is that they are some no-name cheapy imports.)
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
IMHO if your not going to do a full on NCRS restoration its not worth the trouble. Seems like a BFH and a dolly would set them. I think they need to be cold when you do this
