I am aware that you can not get replacement lower ball joints for this car and that the manual instructs that you drill out the rivets to old ball joint to replace. Has anyone actually had the lower ball joint rebuilt. If so did you have any issues with this and how did it work out when installed back onto the car.
The reason I am asking is that I have the front of the car at a stage where it may well be a prudent idea to get the ball joints done as they are the original ( Rivets still on lower ). I have had a couple of instances while going for a "warrant of fitness New Zealand" that on testing the ball joints they have said they have too much play. I then show them how they are supposed to check the lower ball joints according to the manual and they are confused. As that is not how they are taught to test ball joints. I am wondering is a rebuilt ball joint will be stiffer than the original or do they need to try and make as loose as original.

 

Did you check Kanter to see if they have front end rebuild kits available? Imported parts will be better than the OE ball joints.

https://www.kanter.com/

 

I've had good results getting replacement ball joints from Kanter for my 62 F85 (yes, not the same as on a full size). I've also had good results getting N.O.R.S. ball joints from Craig at Mobileparts.

 

Kiwi Olds,
I have been the ONLY one on Planet Earth who has had *** N E W *** N.O.S. *** 1962 Oldsmobile *** LOWER *** Ball Joints for the last 25 years.....

I have *** N.O.S. U.S.A. made *** Upper Ball Joints and Upper Control Arm Bushings *** &
I have one last pair --- and they are *** M O O G *** L O W E R *** Ball Joints and Lower Control Arm Bushings....

Hallelujah !!!!! Hallelujah !!!!!

Craig.....

 

Kanter C A N N O T offer these LOWER BALL JOINTS in a " kit " , separately , or period.......

 

Thanks for that info. Much appreciated. I will private message Craig.

 

Hey KiwiOlds,
To the best of my knowledge, ( I just saw this thread ) you never Private Messaged me…..
I have one remaining pair of *** LOWER *** Ball Joints , and they are actually
*** M O O G ***…
I have the Upper and Lower Control Arm Bushings , and
I have one remaining “ pair “ ( 1 is McQuay Norris and 1 is Sturdy ) of
Upper Ball Joints ( Upper Ball Joints fit 1959 - 1962 Olds Full Size — ALL —
ONLY — )

Cheers… Craig …..

 

I just saw a P.M. that included the fact that your wife is a flight attendant….

I remember telling someone —- I presume it must have been you —- that I live 25 minutes from J F K airport in New York….

Craig….