[Davidf]

So, I finally have got around to starting the rebuild of the suspension on my 71. What I thought was going to be a disassembly, clean-up, and reassembly over one weekend turned into a restoration project...I can't help myself. So, each piece/component was thoroughly cleaned and prepped for paint. Still have to paint (and only have one front side disassembled and ready for paint). What I did find was that the upper ball joint is factory original riveted in place. Grinding off the top head of the rivet did nothing. Had to chisel off the bottom side rivet head then drill into the rivet body slightly before pounding out with my air hammer with point bit. The bottom side (control arm) hole is tapered slightly. Lower ball joint seemed original as well. Both were too sloppy.

Biggest issue was lower control arm shaft that wore through the end cap/bushing and wore a thumb nail shaped indention into the control arm. I think with a new bushing/cap it will be fine as it is...but, what is your opinion. I know, a picture is worth a thousand words... maybe tonight I can snap a pic.

Any other pointers on making this job go more smoothly. I thought I could do this with removing the rotor from the spindle...big mistake and almost cut by thumb off (hammer swing missed its mark and my thumb was between hammer handle and brake dust shield). ouch! After I stopped the bleeding and super glued the gash closed, I promptly removed the rotor and dust shield. Lesson learned the painful way.