Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

[Ralph E.]

Was taking my 67 for a nice fall ride leaf peeping and got to thinking. My car is 50 years old and I've never had the trailing arms serviced. Is there any maintenance that should be done or should I just have them rebuilt? How long do these things last.

[Joe R.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Ralphie,

Time is up! If you take a long trip you are rolling the dice. The grease has turned to cement by now and there is no lubrication on the rear bearing (front too).
Time to call Yogi and get him to send you the boxes. He's the closest and best rebuilder close to you.

JR

[Ralph E.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Thanks JR. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but what I expected. Guess I have a winter project.

[Richard M.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Bair's is awesome. I've done the last 2 midyears with them. Excellent service. Ed, who is the lead TA rebuilder/restorer, is great to work with.

Plan on 2 new rotors. They have USA made rotors in short supply but if they're available I'd recommend those too.

Rich
ps running on generator power here after the storm, limited access.

[Bob W.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Richard Hope all is good!!

Bob

[Gerard F.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Ralphie,

When you start hearing a little click, click from the rear end just cruising along, it's time.

Probably best to trade yours in for new complete assemblies.

Take a look at this article

WheelBearingArticle-rev4.pdf

Have fun,

[Gary J.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

If you are going to send the trailing arms to Bair's you may as well send the rear end too. Good time for new U joints too. Another thing to think about is new brake lines and having new O ring seals put in he calipers. My how one thing leads to another.

[Harry S.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

The trailing arms on my 63 were swollen. Meaning the metal had deep rust and the thickness changed. I just put them in the garbage and ordered a complete new set. So, check for rust before you start mailing junk to be restored.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Ralphie,

I got a great deal on new trailing arms from Ikerd's through Paragon.
Take a look at that Restorer story draft posted above

[Joe L.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

I just put them in the garbage....

Harry------


That's exactly where they belong. There's absolutely no "resurrection" possible for this condition.

[Ralph E.]

Re: Time for Trailing Arm Restoration ?

Thanks Guys. Appreciate all the input.
I should add the car drives fine, the rear wheels have are some noise in the past which I believe was the emergency brake because when I lifted the brake handle it immediately went away. Car has been fine ever since.
But just because my car is 50 years old I think it is best to rebuild/replace the T/A's
Also, already changed/replaced most parts; brake calipers, brake lines, u-joints, springs and bushings, rear diff. fluids.
Think the only thing I have not touched are the trailing arms. So I know the car is ready for T/A work.