Restoring chassis.....need parts

[cwmcobra]

As I posted in my project thread, I've got my frame stripped down and ready for sandblasting.  Then I need to start the rebuild process after painting.  I asked a question about steering/suspension components in that thread, but have a similar question about brands and sources for other needed parts.  Here's my list:

Steering components - identified all MOOG parts: upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm.  Seems like the highest quality brand that I'm aware of.
Suspension components- MOOG front sway bar links, coil springs from ESPO (based on a recent thread here), shock absorbers (Gabriel Classic or Ultra?), front and rear control arm bushings? (not sure where to go for these; MOOG lists one number for front and rear, but need to confirm) 
Rear drum brake components - Wagner or Raybestos?
Front disc brake conversion - Looking at Inline Tube conversion kits, both upper and lower.  Also communicating with Scarebird on their lower kit that uses the stock spindles.  Any experience or recommendations? I will be using 15" Rally wheels, so fit into 14" wheels is not an issue.

I have a bill of material for most of the parts I've identified and would be glad to share, but want to confirm the above questions to gain confidence.

Thanks all!

Chuck

[Mark Ascher]

Hi Chuck,

MOOG should cover most of what you need for suspension and steering. Couple of things; you'll have to source front upper control arm bushings elsewhere, possibly Rare Parts in Ca; I don't know if you can still get center links; the inner tie rod ends fit and function as original, but the grease fitting is in the wrong spot. I greased them then removed the fittings and used plugs available from Speedway. The fittings will interfere with the front crossmember.

I think the rear control arm bushings are all the same. You'll need lower fronts, and possibly the uppers. The stock uppers are threaded in on Buick, not rubber press in type.

Shocks you have many choices.

I tried to buy American made on the brake components. Brand didn't matter that much.

Can't help you on a disc brake swap - I'm still on the drum brake plan, but with power brakes, can't complain how they stop.

I have an old list with all the MOOG and other numbers if you're interested.

Mark

[cwmcobra]

Thanks Mark for all the info and yes, I'd love to see your list of MOOG and other part numbers to compare with mine.

 

Chuck

[Brian]

I have been very impressed with MOOG quality, but will warn you that most of their bushings have now gone to a polyurethane type and most of them are blue in color, so they will really stand out on a restoration.  I have used a lot of them on my 4x4 Ford trucks where the color is not so important and been very happy with them. 
  You can buy a kit made by Energy Suspension that has all the suspension bushings you will need in polyurethane, and black in color.  That is what I did on my 65.   This website has it laid out really well and even has the MOOG components for sale:
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/products/buick_skylark_1965

[gs spoken here]

Be careful of the bushing metal case thickness. I have ran into some that are thinner than OEM. These were rear control arm bushing. I thinks the Moog high end were OK.

[texasekberg]

Chuck,

I bought a disc brake conversion kit from Summit that I am very happy with, using all GM part like calipers and brake master cylinder etc..
Part number is SUM-BK1202, it is not the cheapest but I have run it for 5000 miles now with no complaints (only thing I upgraded lately is
a double diaphragm brake booster due to too much cam shaft and low vacuum).
Regards Anton

[Brian]

Chuck,
  Note that a lot of the disc brake setups will not work with 14" wheels, so if you were planning to stay with stock looking 14" wheels/tires, that may limit your options for disc brakes. 

[Loren At 65GS]

Chuck,
  Note that a lot of the disc brake setups will not work with 14" wheels, so if you were planning to stay with stock looking 14" wheels/tires, that may limit your options for disc brakes.

I thought that was the reason for the offset change in '67 wheels. 

Loren

[cwmcobra]

Thanks guys.  Yeah, I'm still torn on disc vs. drum on the car.  The car has manual drums now.  My parts car has the original master cylinder and vacuum booster for the power brake setup.  I thought of using that, but since I plan to drive this car and it's not going to be points judged, I'm leaning toward the disc conversion.  I have 15" Buick rallys that I plan to use, so I'm not limited by the 14" wheels.  By the way, Scarebird sells brackets for 14" wheels that uses the stock spindles.  For anyone interested in the stock wheel size and disc brakes, it is worth a look.  They just sell the brackets and offer a list of parts to use with them.  They are off the shelf parts that apparently work well as a system.  I'm still considering them for my car. 
https://scarebird.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59



Chuck

[WkillGS]

I like Moog too.
Other US made choices are (or were) McQuay-Norris and Elgin.
Carquest used to sell Moog in their own boxes. You might be able to get the same parts at a better price.
Centerlinks are not avail from Moog, but are avail from generic suppliers.
Rockauto is a great outfit but sometimes Amazon beats their prices when shipping cost is considered.

I believe the only differences in the drum vs disc spindles is the mounting pad is machined down for the discs. (?)
Disc spindles use larger bolts for the steering arm. You need to drill out your original arms for bolt fit.

Here are some pages from an old Moog catalog: