'64 trailing arm shim question

[Tom L.]

I've read that it is better to put slotted shims in cars that used the ones with two holes. My broter in law bought a new frame from Vette products for his '64. His question is, are the trailing arm pockets the same a later cars that use the slotted shims? Will the hole for the cotter pin be there or will he have to drill one?? Thanks!!

[John H.]

Re: '64 trailing arm shim question

I've read that it is better to put slotted shims in cars that used the ones with two holes. My broter in law bought a new frame from Vette products for his '64. His question is, are the trailing arm pockets the same a later cars that use the slotted shims? Will the hole for the cotter pin be there or will he have to drill one?? Thanks!!

The pocket construction is the same from '63-'82, but I don't know offhand if Neal's frames all have the cotter pin hole or not. His GM dies are the set that was used in '82, so the pierce die may have the hole. Give Neal a call and ask him.

www.vetteproducts.net

[Joe L.]

Re: '64 trailing arm shim question

I've read that it is better to put slotted shims in cars that used the ones with two holes. My broter in law bought a new frame from Vette products for his '64. His question is, are the trailing arm pockets the same a later cars that use the slotted shims? Will the hole for the cotter pin be there or will he have to drill one?? Thanks!!

Lynn------


I never recommend the use of the "2 hole" shims. The slotted are the only way to go.

In my opinion, it's not even necessary to use the cotter pin with the slotted shims. If the shims are tucked down into the frame pocket and the trailing arm forward bolt properly torqued, there won't be any loss of shims.

My late 1969 has the cotter pin holes and originally used a combination of slotted and non-slotted shims but never was originally equipped with cotter pins. Early-on I converted to ALL slotted shims and never used any cotter pins. Never lost a shim.