Im in the middle of a restoration project for a 1969 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Custom w/7.5L. I am having a lot of issues finding suspension components but not all of them. Right now Im looking for either a complete upper control arm set or at least a shaft kit but im not having a lot of luck. What other models can I look for so I can search for parts that way?

 

As you are finding out, these cars are not well supported for normal replacement parts, let alone anything performance related. The Olds full size are not popular to restore and few remain on the road, so most vendors have stopped carrying parts for them. The chassis, suspension, and brakes are completely different from the same year Impala, so the commonly available Chevy parts do not fit. There is no market for complete control arm assemblies; you won't find them. The most difficult to find parts are the upper ball joints, the idler arm, the center link, and the brake drums. Everything else is still available new - I got everything else for my 67 Delta in Moog parts from RockAuto - including the upper control arm bushings. I did not need new shafts. As far as the upper ball joints are concerned, your choices are finding old-stock replacement parts (like TRW or McQuay Norris) from vendors like Mobileparts, or paying dearly for new items from Rare Parts. Kanter primarily sells the Rare Parts items, but so do others, so shop around. I went with old stock parts from Mobileparts, but my car uses the Thompson steering linkage and Rare Parts was my only option for the center link. Your 69 should have the larger Saginaw steering parts that are a little easier to find. Good luck.

 

x2 on Joe's comments. Parts for Olds full size cars of that vintage are becoming more and more difficult to find. Working on my '67 Delta, particularly on body/chassis issues, is always an adventure due to many parts being Olds only and new/reproductions being non-existent. There is a thread here at CO specifically dedicated to 61-70 full size cars (Darksiders). You may want to visit there as well with questions as you progress on your restoration. Good luck with your project! Share some pictures.

 

 

Great looking car, Mattdelta88. Looks to be in solid shape inside and out. Always liked the Hardtop look. Red engine paint suggests a big block and size of the air cleaner a 4bbl carb. Even with a curb weight north of 4000lb I bet she pulls strong. Thanks for sharing pictures.

 

Yeah it can turn the tires into smoke no problem, Only issues with it are the bushings in the suspension that have all rotted out and have started crumbling out. Hence looking for bushings and parts.

 

Just wanted to reply here.

Found an upper front control arm ball joint on a website called Fusick

http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....number=BJ10206

$69.50 here vs $190 at Rareparts

 

I suspect the difference in price is due to the fact that Rare Parts items are US-made. I don't know what the COO is for the Fusick ball joints, but I suspect they may be the same Chinesium ones Kanter sells. Personally I'd look for NORS parts like McQuay Norris or TRW. They are out there.

 

Fusick gets his ball joints from Kanter , so they are of course, Chineseum...
If you would prefer U.S.A. made for well under Rare Parts price, I have a few last remaining
Upper Lefts & Upper Rights.....

Always best to simply call me --- Craig --- 516 - 485 - 1935...... New York....