nigelf

Hi,
I'm looking for parts for a 1963 F-85, most of the sites I've found list parts from 1964. I especially need a new center link or, preferably, just the two end pieces where the Pitman and idler arms fit.

I also need the drive gear in the gearbox that drives the speedo cable. It's a 3 speed hydromatic 'box.

Any hints of places to look will be gratefully received.

Regards,
Nigel

J-(Chicago)

http://www.kanter.com

nigelf

Thanks, but they only list 1964+ and the 1963 center link ends are different. Same with Fusick and YearOne.

Regards,
Nigel

Rallye469

Did they share steering components with the '63 Pontiac tempest?
You may have better luck shopping for the assembly by cross checking
other cars -OR- different years if they they are interchangable.
good luck

joe_padavano

Unfortunately, the 61-63 cars are completely different from the 64-up cars and are not anywhere near as popular, so replacement parts are very difficult to get.

J-(Chicago)

Maybe an Impala?
I think some of those parts may swap.

J-(Chicago)

Try Buds Auto
1-580-463-2424

and www.allamericanclassics.com

joe_padavano

Uh, not even close. The 61-63 GM small cars (F-85, Skylark, and Tempest) are all based on the Corvair (yes, Corvair) platform. It's interesting to note that the Corvair was rear engine with rear transaxle, the F-85 and Skylark were front engine and trans with conventional rear axle, and the Tempest was front engine with the Corvair transaxle. I'm going to guess that the Olds, Buick, and Pontiac all used the same front suspension. I don't know if the Corvair parts interchange or not.

speedy_87ss

I also just purchased a 63 Cutlass/F85. Yes, finding parts is a challenge, but made easier for me personally #1, being in the auto salvage industry, #2, I have no intentions of restoring the car to original. It's going the route of 4 wheel disc brakes, tubular Z28 front sway bar, matching rear sway bar, 9" rearend, 403 engine with 2004r trans. Although I intend to keep the body and interior 100% stock looking with the exception of wheels and tires, and if I find some type of mild hood scoop that could look good enough to appear as if factory installed.
If you DO locate parts sources, please share!
Jeff

88 coupe

Except for the trans and 215 engine, F-85/Cutlass and Special/Skylark were mechanically identical.

Norm

joe_padavano

Norm,

I'm aware of the differences between the Olds and Buick versions of the 215, but what were the trans differences? And of course, both offered the 198 cu in version of the Buick V6 as well.

nigelf

Now that is very interesting. Thanks 88 Coupe.

88 coupe

I should have said automatics.

3 and 4 speed manuals were the same. Special/Skylark were Buick 2 speed, f-85/Cutlass/Jetfire were Olds (GM?) 3 speed. All had yokes fixed to the tailshaft and a two piece driveshaft, separated by a constant velocity/slip joint arrangement.

Norm

speedy_87ss

Yes, an interesting driveline setup. I did get the transmission and 2 piece driveshaft with my car. Won't be needing it, any takers?
Jeff

goodkarmech

For the steering parts, try this place:
http://www.rareparts.com/
Good luck!!

nigelf

Thanks, they had them in stock, but Kanter.com is a lot cheaper.

The driven gear for the speedo is missing: is there anyone who can give me some details about it i.e. part number, number of teeth, dimansions, colour etc? It's for a Hydramatic 3 speed transmission.