C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I installed the rebuilt trailing arms in my '65 last night. The AIM doesn't seem specific regarding the final location of the shims (using two hole).

I got the notion, from this board, that the shims are to be rotated upward and reside inside the frame box and are not visible from the wheel well. Correct?

If correct, is there a great "trick" to hold them in place while the bolt is being installed. When they are in the exposed postion, it is impossible to rotate the first several outboard shims upward into the frame box.

I'm beginning to understand why folks hate two hole shims!

Thanks for you comments.

Regards,
Gene

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

Gene,

No, the shims are not hidden from the view thru the wheelwell. Put them in and capture with the bolt and let them fall. Then tighten the bolt so they won't vibrate, clunk and rattle. Then take it to the alignment shop and listen to the cussin your getting for using the two hole shims.

Regards,

JR

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

JR,
Thank you for your reply and clarification about the shim location.

I'm expecting negative comments from the alignment shop. Guess I'll just take my medicine and offer them an extra $50 up front to accommodate me.

Thank you again for taking time to answer my question.

Regards,
Gene

[Michael W.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

Why not spend the $50. on a set of slotted shims instead and be done with it once and for all?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

Gene-----

It might take more than $50. Most alignment shops are going to take a Corvette rear alignment only on an "hourly rate" basis. That way, all of the extra time that is created by the 2 hole shims or any other "obstacles" that they encounter will "influence" the number of hours that they multiply times their hourly rate to determine the "bottom line" of your shop charge invoice. It could be an expensive alignment.

If they do it on a flat rate basis, then I can almost guarantee you that you're going to get an inferior alignment. They are just not going to spend the time that it takes to make multiple shim changes to get the adjustment "dead on".

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

One way to do it is to set it up with a set of slotted shims, then carefully measure and replace with two hole shims yourself after the alignment is complete...it will come out fine.....Craig

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

Craig,
Thank you for your reply. I was wondering if I couldn't do exactly what you are suggesting. I'll check with my alignment guy.

I like the two hole shims for safety sake. Since there isn't a way to retain the slotted shims, if the trailing arm bolt loosens the shims may fall out and handling and safety are jeopardized. Perhaps this is why the General specified the two hole shims.

Thank you again, and others who replied.

Regards,
Gene

[Craig S.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

Gene - I really don't think there is a safety issue with the slotted shims if they are installed correctly, tightly packed, and the through bolt is torqued properly. The C3 years did use a large cotter pin for retention, but many folks have used the slotted shims on midyears without the cotter key and and never had any problems. Remember, the bushing is locked solid with properly assembled, the only flexing is the torsional movement of the rubber in the bushing. That said, I have two hole shims for my 67 when it goes back together, but I don't plan on playing with the alignment with them, I will disassemble and reassemble after the alignment is complete. I don't want an inferior rushed job due to the hassle of the two hole shims in the process, nor to spend $$$ on labor at the alignment shop.....Craig

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Trailing Arm Shim Position

Craig,
Thank you for your reply. I see your wisdom and I'm leaning toward following your idea. I'll check with the alignment shop tomorrow and see what they tell me.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Gene