Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

[Charlie P.]

I need to replace or repair the spindles on my '62. The area where the outer races sit are a mess. I see that some vendors have "reconditioned" spindles, which I have not checked into yet (just found the problem tonight).
I would prefer to get my own spindles reconditioned. I am assuming the shaft is built up with weld and turned down where needed. Anyone know a shop that specializes in this?
Thanks
Charlie

[John F.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

Send a note to Tom Parsons on this forum.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

Charels
If I were in your situation I believe I'd contact a good local Machine shop to machine the old surface and make a sleeve to press back on. This is a standard practice in situations like this.
I'm not too keen on welding because of the heat and possible distortion and lose of dimensional integrity. If you weld it you'll have to machine it to a dimension ,so way not machine it and just make a sleeve.
Stephen Barrett (21558)

[Scott M.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

I had my front spindles built back up by hardchroming and machining them tp correct size. Found an article in an old "Driveline" about this. Also had my steering column shaft repaired where is was worn at the lower bearing by hardchroming and machining.

[Joe L.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

I had my front spindles built back up by hardchroming and machining them tp correct size. Found an article in an old "Driveline" about this. Also had my steering column shaft repaired where is was worn at the lower bearing by hardchroming and machining.

Scott------


Yes, this is a process used in the heavy construction equipment industry to repair expensive components which are worn in critical areas. The additional benefit is that the hard chromed surfaces are virtually "immortal". The downside is that it's pretty expensive.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

Joe
The method you discribe is very acceptable,but not necessary in my opinion. Let me explain. The surface that the inner race sits on is not a press fit,nor is it a bearing surface. It just supports the bearing and centers it in relation to the spindle center. The method you discribe is more apropriate for something like a crankshaft. The reason your method is more expensive is because you must grind the spindle rather than using a lathe, and you must first pay to have it plated. Not all machine shops have the ability or the equipment to grind on center, but all have a lathe. Just the opinion of an old worn out retired Tool & Die Maker. Like so many things, there are several solutions to the same problem.
Stephen Barrett (21558)
59,66,71,73

[Joe L.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

Joe
The method you discribe is very acceptable,but not necessary in my opinion. Let me explain. The surface that the inner race sits on is not a press fit,nor is it a bearing surface. It just supports the bearing and centers it in relation to the spindle center. The method you discribe is more apropriate for something like a crankshaft. The reason your method is more expensive is because you must grind the spindle rather than using a lathe, and you must first pay to have it plated. Not all machine shops have the ability or the equipment to grind on center, but all have a lathe. Just the opinion of an old worn out retired Tool & Die Maker. Like so many things, there are several solutions to the same problem.
Stephen Barrett (21558)
59,66,71,73

Stephen------


Yes, finding a shop that has the capability to do the repair using hard chroming and subsequent machining would be VERY difficult. One would need to look to the heavy equipment repair industry and most of those shops probably wouldn't want to get involved in an automotive repair like this. I'm actually kind of surprised that Scott was able to find a shop willing to do this kind of repair.

I also agree that this sort of repair methodology would not be necessary for the problem with this 1962 spindle.

[Dick W.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

I know that some of you will throw rocks at me, but here is what I would do. Take a sharp center punch and lightly punch the area that the bearing rides on. Clean with recommended primer and apply Loctite Threadlocker Green #290. I have repaired many loose bearings, valve seats, etc using this process and never had a failure.

If you were racing these old cars it would be different, but for normal driving, that should hold up a long time

[Charlie P.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

I think I will put this back together as-is as long as the inner race fits snug. Also, I was planning to switch to roller bearings from ball bearings. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks for all your input.
Charlie

[Patrick H.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

FWIW, Dale Pearman was always of the opinion (and may have written an article showing that) that the roller bearings were better.

[Tom P.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

First of all, SURELY, SURELY, SURELY by now everyone knows that 49-54 pass cars share MANY frontend parts with the 53-62 Vettes, INCLUDING the spindles (as many times as I've pointed that out here).
If you shop around all the old Chevy sources, you should be able to locate GOOD used pass car spindles for super reasonable prices (you'll pay dearly if you tell someone it's for a Vette).

Regarding the conversion to roller bearings, I seldom mention that here because of all the displeasure it causes the Puritanical NCRS types. But over on the Corvette Forum, I've expressed several times the improved handling with roller bearings. And yes, I have them on my car.
With that said, JUST ADDING ROLLER BEARINGS alone dose not make these old cars handle like a new Corvette!!!! Doing a complete frontend rebuild, or at least assuring all the frontend joints are in top condition, adding roller bearings, switching to radial tires, PROPER adjustment (and rebuilding if needed) to the steering box, will dramatically improve steering and tracking of these old cars. Oh ya, wide wheels and fat tires up front are NOT a good idea. Something in the range of a 205/75R15 is a good choice for enjoyable street driving.

[Joe L.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

FWIW, Dale Pearman was always of the opinion (and may have written an article showing that) that the roller bearings were better.

Patrick-----


Yup. GM didn't change to roller wheel bearings for virtually all 1955 and later cars (except 55-62 Corvette) because ball bearings worked just as well.

[Charlie P.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

First of all, SURELY, SURELY, SURELY by now everyone knows that 49-54 pass cars share MANY frontend parts with the 53-62 Vettes, INCLUDING the spindles.

Regarding the conversion to roller bearings, I seldom mention that here because of all the displeasure it causes the Puritanical NCRS types. But over on the Corvette Forum, I've expressed several times the improved handling with roller bearings. And yes, I have them on my car.

Tom- I've never had a Chevy of any sort of this vintage-that is good info on the interchangeability. It's logical that rollers would be better suited to the combinations of side and radial loads than balls. Even if this was a Top Flight car, I could live with the visually undetectable improvement. I put on a set of the size radials you mention, and the difference is remarkable vs. 6.70-15 bias ply.

[Tom P.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

I understand that, but MANY of the other guys here knew that, and it's obvious that they weren't going to mention it--------------------probably because if it isn't a genuine Corvette part, it isn't correct. ALTHOUGH, with that said, the listing in the parts books shows the SAME part number for a spindle for 49-54 pass cars and 53-62 Vettes is the same!!!!!!!!!!
They're not going to tell you about converting to roller bearings up front------------------------BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WHAT WAS FACTORY INSTALLED ON 53-62 Vettes! I could CLEARLY understand that if it was a part which was visually obvious, or was inspected during judging. But front wheels/hubs are never removed for judging to inspect for ball or roller bearings!!!!!

[Joe L.]

Re: Spindle repair/reconditioning 1962

I understand that, but MANY of the other guys here knew that, and it's obvious that they weren't going to mention it--------------------probably because if it isn't a genuine Corvette part, it isn't correct. ALTHOUGH, with that said, the listing in the parts books shows the SAME part number for a spindle for 49-54 pass cars and 53-62 Vettes is the same!!!!!!!!!!
They're not going to tell you about converting to roller bearings up front------------------------BECAUSE THAT'S NOT WHAT WAS FACTORY INSTALLED ON 53-62 Vettes! I could CLEARLY understand that if it was a part which was visually obvious, or was inspected during judging. But front wheels/hubs are never removed for judging to inspect for ball or roller bearings!!!!!

Tom-----


Yes, the 49-54 passenger car spindles are the same (GM #3696323, forged 3693446). However, where do you find a 1949-54 passenger car these days? Once-upon-a-time they were plentiful but I don't think you'll find too many in wrecking yards these days. To find them, you'd need to find old, low-volume wrecking yards in out-of-the-way places.

And, yes, roller bearing front wheel bearings for 53-62 Corvettes are definitely not "correct" for 53-62 Corvettes------just like stainless steel sleeved calipers are not "correct" for 1965-82 Corvettes.