C3 Trailing arms

[Stephen B.]

I just removed the trailing arms from my 72 coupe ( really fun) and I need to get them rebuilt. Any recommendations? I am looking at Van Steel. Really would like to find some body in west Tn if possible to avoid the fright bill.

[Joey H.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Bair's corvette in PA does a great job.

Joey

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

I just removed the trailing arms from my 72 coupe ( really fun) and I need to get them rebuilt. Any recommendations? I am looking at Van Steel. Really would like to find some body in west Tn if possible to avoid the fright bill.

Stephen------


You should first check the arms to see if they are rebuildable. If there is evidence of severe corrosion, especially if there is any evidence of corrosion-induced "lifting" or "separation" where the steel "overlaps", then the arms are not suitable for rebuilding and need to be replaced. This kind of damage is "terminal". The spindle supports and spindles could be OK, though.

From my perspective, if there is evidence of significant corrosion-induced pitting, even if the arms are not structurally compromised, I would replace them.

If this car has lived any part of its life in areas where the roads are salted, it is a prime suspect for this kind of damage.

[Stephen B.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Tks for the reply. I'll look up the web sight.

[Stephen B.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Inspection shows to be in good shape for there age. One the mounting bolt was removed with no issue, the other I had to cut the bolt out. The mounting area is very clean. This car has been in a garage for over 15 years, just a lot of little issue's to deal with to get it back on the road with only 111,000 miles on the clock. Thanks for the reply.

[Gary R.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Joe made a good point to check for rust and also look for previous mechanics work. I'd say many of the arms I get in are damaged by previous workers. If you ship out arms based on advertised pricing you may be surprised by a future call if a spindle, flange, arm, or bracket are found to be bad. I see it all the time. Advertised pricing is just on the common parts, which may or may not cover the job.

Is this something you might be able to do with some coaching? I have taught guys all over the world to correctly build arms and they will be better then sending them out- if you have the time, tools, and patience. Just something to think about, if you can build an engine or do a body off you can build trailing arms.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Inspection shows to be in good shape for there age. One the mounting bolt was removed with no issue, the other I had to cut the bolt out. The mounting area is very clean. This car has been in a garage for over 15 years, just a lot of little issue's to deal with to get it back on the road with only 111,000 miles on the clock. Thanks for the reply.

Stephen------


If you had to cut one of the bolts out, that's a bad sign for corrosion possibilities. Keep in mind that these arms usually rust from the inside out. The innerds of the arms are definitely not sealed and water gets inside quite easily with the car on the road. If that water is laden with salt, the corrosion begins and proceeds inexorably. Just because the car has been in the garage for 15 years does not mean that corrosion is halted during this time. As I mentioned, once it begins, it proceeds inexorably.

In any event, if you send the arms out to a competent rebuilder (by the way, Gary Ramadei is such a rebuilder), they'll be able to tell the reusability of the arms. Don't be surprised if they call and tell you that you need new ones.

[Joe R.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Bair's is a very good choice and they will send you shipping boxes to aid you in shipping.

1 814 683-4223 or 1 800 421-9644

They will inspect and help you make a decision on rebuild or replace. They are the foremost manufacturers of trailing arms in the business so if you need replacement you will probably get a Bair's arm from most suppliers.

JR

[Richard G.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

If I was rebuilding my trailing arms I would purchase two new USA axles and be done with that part. Too many variables and it simplifies the process immensely. You don't need the special tool to remove the inner bearings and any damage done to the axles is not an issue. I have just seen too many with undersized bearing fits, bent flanges and twisted splines.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Bair's is a very good choice and they will send you shipping boxes to aid you in shipping.

1 814 683-4223 or 1 800 421-9644

They will inspect and help you make a decision on rebuild or replace. They are the foremost manufacturers of trailing arms in the business so if you need replacement you will probably get a Bair's arm from most suppliers.

JR

I agree.
I would just call Bair's, ship them to them, and have them assess.

I also used Van Steel 20+ years ago with excellent results.
Either option is a good choice.

[Ron G.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

All good information above. Everyone mentioned in regard to rebuilding trailing arms are all quite competent. However, I know Gary Ramadei on a personal level and I can tell you that he does outstanding work. Also, for those who care about the rear trailing arms and upper/lower control arm finish I can tell that based on my research that they were painted with something called black tri-chlorintine (not sure if I am spelling that correct). GM and the other Big 3 purchased this paint from the Pontiac Paint & Varnish Co. in Pontiac, Michigan. However, they are no longer in business. Its almost as if this paint was ahead of it's time as it is somewhat like a durable enamel in that it was extremely durable. If you ever seen a worn out chassis, and then look at the control arms you still can see some of the original semi-gloss black finish. Also, rear trailing arms have a date stamped on them and it is not unusual for one trail arm with to have stamped date upside sown and the other side right side up. Again, just an FYI for those who care. I have pics of the dates and even had some stamps with the original size font in height and thickness made to dead nuts on. Be happy to post them if anyone is interested.

[Stephen B.]

Re: C3 Trailing arms

Thanks to all folks for the information. We will see what happens when the trailing arms get to Van Steel this Friday. Hope to get this coupe back on the road this early summer. Its been alot of work.