Best visually similar idler arm for 69Z28 restoration

[Chevy Tycoon]

Hello community. I am at the point of putting the suspension back together for a 69Z. This is a resurrection project with the goal of eventually judging the restoration so originality is primary for me.

The recently released judging manual only has an 8 point deduction against originality so I'm curious to know what others have done to overcome suspension wear items. Obviously NOS is an option but before I go that route, I'd like to hear from others.

The original 'born with' parts are on the car, such as the pitman, idler, center link, steering arms, etc and have factory part numbers - which is what I'm after.

Following Chicks build, the Brooklyn build and others of similar levels, they've restored the original parts, but my idler arm is plum to far worn and needs to be replaced.

From my research, the replacement options are Moog, TRW and RareParts. Anyone done a similar restoration and had to use aftermarket pieces? Were you happy, or disappointed in some ways, on the options?

Happy for any insight anyone can share!

Thanks!

PS - I also posted this exact content at camaros.net but it didn't receive responses, so trying it over here.

PPS - long time lurker, and first time poster.

[jl8z28]

I your going to have it judged you better find a good original one because you will loose points with those others

[KevinW]

A member asked me and I found one original idler arm on some 80s takeoffs. But I also found 2 non-GM idler arms. They were visually very similar to the GM piece, not like todays thick moog part. Must have been a replacement back in the day.

I can take some pics if you want, but since they do not have the GM part number, you will lose the same points as a new Moog part.

[jl8z28]

I may have one i have to check

[Chevy Tycoon]

Originally Posted by KevinW

A member asked me and I found one original idler arm on some 80s takeoffs. But I also found 2 non-GM idler arms. They were visually very similar to the GM piece, not like todays thick moog part. Must have been a replacement back in the day.

I can take some pics if you want, but since they do not have the GM part number, you will lose the same points as a new Moog part.

I'd enjoy seeing pic's of the differences. I admit that judging will be impacted by an equal amount of any aftermarket piece so that is what it is. But seeing those differences would help sway which route i go. So thank you greatly for the offer.

[KevinW]

So I actually have 3 aftermarket idlers one stamped 5121-M which is more rounded and two that are cast 14-274 which are more square like the original.

Pics are: Original, Moog replacement, 5121-M, then 14-274