70 Upper A-Arm Replacement Boot

[Allen N.]

I am doing a frame off restoration on my 70 BB convertible. My upper a-arm ball joints appear to be original and seem to be in good working order. The passenger side boot was torn so I ordered a replacement boot. Below is the picture of the replacement and the original driver side a-arm.





The only way I could see to use the replacement boot is to put it over the metal collar of the ball joint. The replacement looks nothing like the original. I plan to rivet in new AFC ball joints in the lower a-arms so I am guessing I would get a dot for scoring for the replacement boot but am not sure. I am trying to decide whether to replace the ball joint or leave it with the replacement boot.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Allen

[Edward J.]

Re: 70 Upper A-Arm Replacement Boot

Allen, I myself have not seen a correct replacement boot. If the ball joint has no issues I would use the original, the uppers rarely wear as the lowers do. and I myself have not seen how the reproductions hold up, still a lot of repro. replacements rarely seen much driving.

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 Upper A-Arm Replacement Boot

I am doing a frame off restoration on my 70 BB convertible. My upper a-arm ball joints appear to be original and seem to be in good working order. The passenger side boot was torn so I ordered a replacement boot. Below is the picture of the replacement and the original driver side a-arm.





The only way I could see to use the replacement boot is to put it over the metal collar of the ball joint. The replacement looks nothing like the original. I plan to rivet in new AFC ball joints in the lower a-arms so I am guessing I would get a dot for scoring for the replacement boot but am not sure. I am trying to decide whether to replace the ball joint or leave it with the replacement boot.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Allen

Allen------


Did you cut away ALL of the original boot before you installed the replacement? If so, the replacement boot should work OK but the configuration will not be as-original and may be detectable.

Original style boots were never available separately from GM for the 1964-82 style ball joints, upper or lower. So, if you seek out NOS boots, your search will be "eternal".

[Allen N.]

Re: 70 Upper A-Arm Replacement Boot

Yes, I cut away all of the original boot and then slipped the replacement over the metal ring of the ball joint.

Thanks for the replies.