Decision around installing new trailing arm

[Mark H.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

I have a 1970 Corvette 454 with 34k well documented miles on it.<br />
<br />
While it has number ours original markings and equipment since it is a replacement engine, CE071958, radiator, alternator, starter, most other engine and car equipment is original equipment, I don’t have buyers documentation, I do have 3/4 of the tank sticker and the other 1/4 is still on the tank. <br />
<br />
Question 1 is there any value in maintaining as much of the car as original equipment? <br />
<br />
I have to replace brakes and emergency brakes so will replace minimum rotor, rebuild calipers, replace brake lines and hoses with new clips also detail and paint frame and wheel wells as close to Chevrolet specs as possible while wheels are off. <br />
<br />
There is surface level rust on unpainted and painted surfaces, under the car, all bolts and screws come loose with ease. The frame has no flacking rust and welds still show bead ridges.<br />
<br />
It doesn’t need new trailing arms but as I look at painting the frame and detailing the back end for approximately $2000 I could have trailing arms rebuilt which would include new dust covers, bearings, and bushing as well as powder coat training arm. While out I could replace U joints on half shafts, drop differential to clean, paint and detail, springs, rear end, half shafts and all frame work in back.<br />
<br />
I am retired and feel comfortable I can do the work.<br />
<br />
Questions<br />
2. Is it worth replacing trailing arms and u joints with new even though mechanically it’s not needed today? Are new trailing arms and u joints something potential buyers would value or does it raise other concerns?<br />
3. Are there watch outs that could decrease value of the car vs just detailing equipment in place?

Mark------


It's always best to keep a car as original as possible. However, sometimes components are not serviceable for mechanical, safety, or appearance reasons.

In your case, if the trailing arms are serviceable I would just have them rebuilt. In the case of trailing arms, by serviceable I am referring to arms which have no significant damage or serious corrosion. On trailing arms, serious corrosion can be hidden. If you note any "lifting" of the overlapping metal of the arm, then the arms are not serviceable. Any pitting type corrosion would, as far as I'm concerned, make the arms unfit for further service.

Rebuilding the trailing arms does require special tools and expertise. I would not recommend trying to do this yourself. Experienced rebuilders are out there.

I would not even consider re-using any of the u-joints. You can easily obtain u-joints that are very close to the originals in configuration. Replacing half shaft u-joints can be a bitch and may result in damage to the u-joint flanges. Once again, I'd take them to a competent driveline shop for replacement. The half shafts do not need to be balanced after u-joint replacement. The driveshaft should definitely be balanced after replacement u-joints are installed which is another reason to have a driveline shop do the job.

[Joe R.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

If your looking for a recommendation, I would recommend Bair's. They can be contacted at 1800 421-9644 order line or information at 1 814 683-4223.
They have the experience to do the job correctly.

JR

[Harry S.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

The trailing arms in my 63 were swollen. Deep rust. There was no repairing them. They went to the recycling. I obtained a set from Bair's and they are perfect.

[Joe L.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

The trailing arms in my 63 were swollen. Deep rust. There was no repairing them. They went to the recycling. I obtained a set from Bair's and they are perfect.

Harry------


I think the vast majority of Corvettes that have lived their lives mostly in states that salt their rods are going to be similarly affected. Even those Corvettes that were never driven in the winter can be affected because the salt does not all "go away" in non-winter months. Summer rains re-mobilize it and it can be just as effective in creating serious corrosion. Once salt-induced corrosion starts, it proceeds inexorably.

[Mark H.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

Thanks. I do believe my T arms are serviceable. My goal is really addressing cosmetics paint detail and new dust cover, starting with rear end then moving to detail front end.

If I do rebuild Trail Arms will send out to be done professionally.

I saw Ecklers and VTech in Rockford professionally rebuild your core as options.

Thanks for the advice on Ujoints, Will look into local professional replacement of Half Shaft Ujoints.

[Joe L.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

Thanks. I do believe my T arms are serviceable. My goal is really addressing cosmetics paint detail and new dust cover, starting with rear end then moving to detail front end.

If I do rebuild Trail Arms will send out to be done professionally.

I saw Ecklers and VTech in Rockford professionally rebuild your core as options.

Thanks for the advice on Ujoints, Will look into local professional replacement of Half Shaft Ujoints.

Mark------

If the trailing arms have never been rebuilt, I would recommend having them rebuilt. At a minimum, the grease in the bearings will be deteriorated after 50 years. There is no effective way to clean and replace the grease without doing a rebuild.

[Richard G.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

All good advice. The tool investment is substantial for the do it yourself bunch.
If you would only use them for one set, their is no contest, send them out.
I recommend powder coating the arms as nothing will last longer.
If cleaned correctly the paint will get deposited nicely on the inside.

I rebuild a set for a guy that swore they were fine but I talked it into it as part of the differential replacement.
The interference fit on one side was shot with over .040 of looseness.
He incorrectly thought he would hear the bearings before they failed.
Required an axle replacement to repair. The axle splines were also slightly twisted from prior abuse.
He was very happy we completed the service.
Specify synthetic grease. (Most builders use it but I would confirm)
It was wonderful stuff and will last longer than the original designers ever though possible.
Rick

[Mark F.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

Thanks. I do believe my T arms are serviceable. My goal is really addressing cosmetics paint detail and new dust cover, starting with rear end then moving to detail front end. If I do rebuild Trail Arms will send out to be done professionally. I saw Ecklers and VTech in Rockford professionally rebuild your core as options. Thanks for the advice on Ujoints, Will look into local professional replacement of Half Shaft Ujoints.

Mark,

Bair's Corvette in Linesville, PA (NW corner of PA) rebuilt mine in 2004. Good quality rebuild and reasonably priced in my opinion - very nice people (at least back then ) - they also did extras for me on other rear suspension parts. Plus, they listened to what I wanted. maybe check them out and see what they say - they advertise in the Driveline (and have done so as long as I can remember)...Good Luck...thx, Mark

http://www.bairscorvette.com/services/rebuiltrearsuspension.html

[Mike M.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

agree with mark. Eric at Bair's is the lotto guy for suspension rebuilds. mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

You mention rotors.

If your front rotors are above spec (likely are) I would bring the front hub/rotor combination to a local brake shop and have them surface the rotor/hub as an assembly; i.e. DO NOT remove the rotor from the hub. Corvette brake systems depend on the rotor being in perpendicular alignment to the center of the hub. If you remove it, you likely won't get it back.

Also, don't remove the rears; let the pro rebuilder address them.

[Mark H.]

Re: Decision around installing new trailing arm

Thanks Joe. Helps to know the investment isn't just for cosmetic reasons.