CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: Edgemontvillage on June 26, 2013, 07:07:13 PM

Title: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: Edgemontvillage on June 26, 2013, 07:07:13 PM

I just purchased an NOS idler arm for my '69 Z. I have read there are some differences between the factory originals and NOS service replacements however the part I received was "missing" the cotter pin hole which struck me as a manufacturing defect. I was later told that NOS idler arms used an oval locking nut rather than the common castellated nut and cotter pin combination. Can anyone validate this observation?

(http://imageshack.us/a/img829/5605/poy7.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img827/4921/u7pa.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img801/6889/s6lb.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img856/5417/8scq.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img94/9413/c0m8.jpg)
 

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: WorkinProgress on June 28, 2013, 11:43:01 AM

Takes an 18 mm prevailing torque nut. Uses no cotter pin. Was the last design idler arm. GM part number 14083585 Group 6.895

                                                                                                 - Warren

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: 69Z28freak on June 29, 2013, 04:04:51 AM

Quote from: WorkinProgress on June 28, 2013, 11:43:01 AM

Takes an 18 mm prevailing torque nut. Uses no cotter pin. Was the last design idler arm. GM part number 14083585 Group 6.895

                                                                                                 - Warren

I tested the thread on this idler arm and it is a 12 mm coarse thread.

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: ZLP955 on June 29, 2013, 06:50:57 AM

Lloyd does the NOS idler arm have a 'C' or an 'O' stamped in between the 2 frame mounting holes?

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: Hans L on June 29, 2013, 04:38:47 PM

Here's a close-up of the idler arm from my Z (04B, Van Nuys Build).   Note hole for cotter pin and "C" stamp.  Car had about 70,000 miles on it, all SoCal.  No reason to believe it or any suspension components were replaced (many still had original factory markings).

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Assembly/SteeringLinkage-Restored5_zps6f24039a.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Assembly/SteeringLinkage-Restored5_zps6f24039a.jpg.html)

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 01, 2013, 06:18:08 AM

Quote from: ZLP955 on June 29, 2013, 06:50:57 AM

Lloyd does the NOS idler arm have a 'C' or an 'O' stamped in between the 2 frame mounting holes?

The NOS arm isn't stamped on either side of the bracket that bolts to the frame.

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: 68camaroz28 on July 02, 2013, 12:51:15 AM

Our 68Z has an "O" stamped idler arm.

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: 67rs/ss350 68z/28 on July 02, 2013, 01:13:21 PM

My 04D 68Z has the letter "C" stamped idler arm

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: 1968 Z28 on July 02, 2013, 05:57:00 PM

My 1968, 07C, Z28 has a "C".

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: Boston14 on July 07, 2013, 12:43:50 PM

My 1969, 11D (68) SS has a "C".

Title: Re: NOS Idler Arm vs Factory Original
Post by: Edgemontvillage on August 01, 2013, 06:46:47 PM

Thanks for the feedback and photos. Its clear the NOS Idler Arm I located is a later, service replacement and differs somewhat from the factory original.  I located a nice original and installed that instead.
 
(http://imageshack.us/a/img4/8195/1p0p.jpg)

(http://imageshack.us/a/img829/6300/q953.jpg)