I took a "stupid pill"!

[Railroadman]

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.

[raggedjim]

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

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

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

I agree it's bad. I need to find Bubba's Old Truck Parts Junkyard.

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!

[raggedjim]

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.

[Railroadman]

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!

[cwcarpenter98]

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.

[Railroadman]

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.

[pdxhall]

Have you tried Aspen Auto? They are here in AZ but ship all over

[jerry moss]

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.

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by jerry moss

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.

I hear ya, we're all human, but frustrating when it's avoidable. I should have made certain it was threaded right, then should have realized the problem sooner instead of trying to force it. Oh well. And I have 10 years on you and my bottle of "stupid pills" is still not empty.

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

Have you tried Aspen Auto? They are here in AZ but ship all over

Thanks! Have not seen that one yet. I was looking at Desert Valley Auto Parts in Phoenix and also Woller Auto Parts in Colorado, both looked worth calling but I'm still hoping to find something closer to home to cut down shipping costs.

Some of those places have incredible inventories!

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

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.

I have too many project vehicles going at once! Finally getting back to this one after 8 months and it didn't take long to get confused. Followed the link above, found an eBay ad for what appears to be a good deal. Same company is still selling them.

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.

[Railroadman]

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.

[raggedjim]

Glad this worked out for you! Tenacity! Can't be taught...

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by raggedjim

Glad this worked out for you! Tenacity! Can't be taught...

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.

[raggedjim]

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

[Railroadman]

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! 😄

[raggedjim]

Originally Posted by Railroadman

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! 😄

No doubt Brother!

[Railroadman]

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.