Tie rod clamp orientation question

[Tom L.]

The TIM states that the "The bolts were installed so that they are not parallel." Below is one of my 1970 originals, with original tie rod ends and paint markings on the clamps. The bolts are parallel on this one as well as the one from the other side. I assume, based on the TIM, that this is the result of an alignment sometime in the past. Does anyone know how they were originally oriented so I can put them back the right way? Thanks in advance.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

The AIM is your friend...See UPC 9, Sheet A2, Views A & B. Any position within the tolerances shown should be acceptable.

[Joe C.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

The TIM states that the "The bolts were installed so that they are not parallel." Below is one of my 1970 originals, with original tie rod ends and paint markings on the clamps. The bolts are parallel on this one as well as the one from the other side. I assume, based on the TIM, that this is the result of an alignment sometime in the past. Does anyone know how they were originally oriented so I can put them back the right way? Thanks in advance.

The opening of the clamps should be at approx 4:30 or 7:30 (45 degrees away from 6:00, or pointing straight down). The 2 clamps should be oriented 90 degrees from each other, so if one is at 7:30
, the other should be at 4:30.

Hope that makes sense to you.

Joe

[Chuck S.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

That is (nearly) correct, but it makes a difference which end you have at "4:30" and which you have at "7:40".

The clamps on the outboard ends at the wheels can possibly be turned down at 45 deg (4:30 LH side only), but may actually be anywhere from directly rearward (horizontal) to rotated 45 deg up or 45 deg down.

The relay rod end clamp may actually be anywhere from directly downward (6:00) to 45 deg rearward. For the tie-rod Tom is showing us here, the worst case is that only one clamp needs a slight tweak (15-30 deg?) to be in tolerance range.

If your tie rods are original, you will likely find a circumferential groove machined near one end...THAT will be the inboard or relay rod end. The grooved end will be the one with LH threads...I have found later NOS service replacements do not have that groove.

An interesting observation here is that BOTH tie rods can have "parallel" clamps, and meet the AIM specification, IF both tie rod sides have the clamps turned downward/rearward EXACTLY 45 degrees...any other angular position, and no cigar.

I'm thinking...Do yourself a favor; meet the AIM spec, but DON'T make the clamps "parallel"...I guarantee you that some inexperienced judge will follow the letter of the TIM&JG intent and cause you frustration over this.

[Roy B.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

WoW you guys are geting down to which way the clamps face? how about the water hoses, heater and the tire valve stems when the Corvette is at a stop?

[Chuck S.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

WoW you guys are geting down to which way the clamps face? how about the water hoses, heater and the tire valve stems when the Corvette is at a stop?...

You bet!!!..."Sharks are the Next Midyears". HaHaHa...

I think the TIM&JG should spell out how many interior lint specks are allowable for "dealer clean". We can only hope that C3 prices will eventually run up like the midyears. HaHaHa...

[Roy B.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

You bet!!!..."Sharks are the Next Midyears". HaHaHa...

I think the TIM&JG should spell out how many interior lint specks are allowable for "dealer clean". We can only hope that C3 prices will eventually run up like the midyears. HaHaHa...

Some people's concerns are going radicalism , by the way how old were you when your Avatar pic was taken . I like it!!

[Chuck S.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

Around 35 I expect...the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s were a tough time. HaHaHa...

[Tom L.]

Re: Tie rod clamp orientation question

Chuck,

You wrote:

"We can only hope that C3 prices will eventually run up like the midyears. HaHaHa..."

There's a 69 tri-power coupe at our local corvette sales/restoration shop for sale for $129K. I couldn't believe it, but I'm sure someone will buy it.

Tom