68 trailing arm bolts.

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 trailing arm bolts.

Yep, I fear what it will cost to have it aligned. I suspect I will work out some sort of deal with the GM service department. It has all new bushings in it. Hopefully, it will take an alignment without problem. When I purchased it, it drove straight but all the ruber bushings were pretty shot. Something that people might find interesting is this....the car sort of looked like it was sagging and sat rather low to the ground. I rebuilt all the bushings and rebuilt the rear leaf with liners and pads. Now it sits high. I left all the bolts loose on the A-frames, etc. untill I get ready to sit it down for good. As per the manual, you should tighten them after the car is sitting on its own weight. The interior is out of it also. Car has come a long way. One of these days, I will post a before and after photo. It is a solid car now, I just need to get it painted and put the interior back in it and then try to enjoy it. Would like to get another one someday. I think the next car will either be a mid-year or a 70 LT-1. I lean toward the LT-1. I think it would be an interesting ride. I love big block cars but I think the combination of the small block in a corvette with lots of snap in it would be interesting. Best regards to everyone, Terry

[Terry F.]

Re: 68 trailing arm bolts.

Joe, you refer to a tight shim pack. Is there a long and a short version of the slotted shim? By looking at the pocket, I can see that the shims could slide in and then drop down behind the frame pocket. When I was working in that area I sort of wondered why they didn't make it that way to begin with. Regards, Terry

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 trailing arm bolts.

Terry------

There is only one version (and length) of the slotted shim used from 1970-82 (and retrofitable to all 63-69). These will fit into the frame pocket. In fact, if the cotter pin is to do any good as far as retention is concerned, they HAVE TO fit down into the frame pocket. Like I say, though, I don't think that the cotter pin is really necessary.

Most, if not all, 1963 Corvettes used a different style slotted shim. This shim was more of a "fork" design. They haven't been available from GM in years and I don't think that they're reproduced.

[Terry F.]

Thanks, Terry *NM*

[Terry F.]

Success!

I used the center out of a wheel puller and put some nuts on it to make it into a spreader. The trailing arm moved out of the way far enough to get it in place. I had a few false starts because my jam nuts started to turn on one end. I eventually got them snugged tight and started to spread the pocket. Took a moderate amount of force to move it but it moved. I put the bolt back in and the cotter pin hole aligned to the castle nut nicely. Another little project out of the way. Thanks for all the advice. Terry