1967 chassis parts

[Jeremy Hedges]

Does anyone know where you can get steel, not stainless, "A" arm shims, trailing arm shims and french locks?

Thanks

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 chassis parts

Jeremy-----

I don't know why anyone would want carbon steel pieces for these parts, but they're not that hard to find with one possible exception. Reproduction "A" arm shims are almost always mild steel, but zinc plated. Originals were bare steel. Remove the zinc plating if you so desire by a quick dip in dilute acid solution. Of course, I'd never do that or recommend doing it, but if one so desires... These are available from Dr. Rebuild, Paragon, Bairs, and others.

If you're talking about 64-69 type trailing arm shims with 2 holes and no slots and manufactured in mild carbon steel, I don't know where to find these. You might try Bairs. If they can't help you out on this, I don't know who can. I wouldn't be caught dead using this type shim. Never. Ever. Period.

French locks are easily available in carbon steel. Most of the suppliers like Dr. Rebuild and Paragon have them. Or, order from GM. GM #3860543. About a buck and a half each. I've got lots of these but I never plan on using them. I get stainless steel ones from Dr. Rebuild.

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: 1967 chassis parts

does NCRS count off for the stainless shims and french locks? I think I have been deducted for the french locks before.

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Joe L.]

Re: 1967 chassis parts

Jeremy-----

Yes, they do. So, if judging is your primary concern, then use the carbon steel pieces. However, keep in mind that stock-type, carbon steel pieces will rust and then they won't look like they did originally. In my opinion, there's a MUCH bigger difference between original appearance and rusty carbon steel pieces than there is between original appearance and stainless steel pieces. Personally, I don't consider a "magnet test" to be a valid criteria to be used to determine original appearance and configuration.