BenUK

The vacuum reservoir and front extensions of the chassis on my '76 are bolted to the chassis tips with nuts & bolts (or just bolts) and large thick washers with a serrated outer edge that grips the metal plates of the chassis and extensions and locks the joint together.

The serrations are important because the bolts allow for adjustment in the joint so that the radiator support and front-end support arms can be positioned correctly and then positively locked into position.

One of these washers can be seen in the photo below under the large nut in the bottom-left of the picture. There are six needed in this area on each side of the chassis and a further thirteen slightly smaller ones needed for the radiator support brackets and front bumper reinforcement brackets.



I need more of these washers and none of the Corvette parts houses seems to stock them. I've looked through www.mcmaster-carr.com as well. Trouble is, I don't even know what they're called. A fixings supplier here in the UK hasn't ever seen them before.

Can anybody suggest a source for me please?

Go Vette Go

BenUK - here is what you are looking for------> Star Washers

I have been using the Bolt Depot for years for all my car and home needs.

John

BenUK

Thanks for your reply, John.

That's not exactly what was installed in my chassis. Here's a better picture:



Judging by the marks in the metal of the chassis plate and the condition of the washers, these may have been installed by the factory. I was assuming therefore that they're OEM, but I could be wrong.

Any idea what is correct in this location? I haven't found the relevant page in the AIM yet.

Alan 71

Caledonia Corvettes & Classics, in Michigan, has them. I imagine other venders do too. They were used on chrome bumper cars and others.
Regards,
Alan

BenUK

Thank you Alan. I've Gooooogled for them and they don't seem to have a website or any kind of info online. Would you have a phone number for them please?

Bronze76

I just re-installed the radiator support in my '76 yesterday. The two lower bolts had really thick washers that were slightly conical with serrations on the bottom perimeter. (they look like the washers in your photo...).

I think these are called "Belleville Spring Lock Washers". McMaster-Carr has them in non-serrated, serrated top and serrated top and bottom. What you need is serrated bottom, which I did not find in their catalog.
Check out their online catalog (page 3168)

Good luck!

Artsvette73

Zips BU-351 Bumper brace to frame seratted washer $1.50ea.

ShinodaVette

I have these on my '81 too but I don't see where Zip lists them for my year. Oh well.

BenUK

That's it!
Thank you so much for that. I wonder why Zip lists these for years only up to '73. I didn't think to try other years.

Alan 71

Ben,
Glad you found them!!!
Regards,
Alan

PS: Your frame and front suspension look beautifully done!!!

PPS: It's Caledonia Corvettes and Classics. Sorry for my goof!

BenUK

Thanks Alan. I've just finished the good part of the project and reassembled the chassis. Gotta clean up the bottom of the body now.

68/70Vette

Thanks for the ZIP reference. I've been looking for these things for a long time.

Alan 71

Hi Ben,
I'd be interested in seeing some more pictures and hearing about the car you're working on. Your work looks first rate!
Regards,
Alan

BenUK

Thank you Alan.

Last Autumn with fresh paint but a brake problem:



5th January and I remove a trailing arm for refurbishment:



The full body-off follows, after a bad case of "While I'm at it".

Monday morning this week:



The full story in detail with lots of photos is on the UK Corvette Club forums:
http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=5429

Not many of us do this in the UK and it's been very rewarding for me personally to get as far as I have. As I say though, the chassis is now all nice and shiny but I've got to start the underside of the body soon. I can't delay it forever.

Alan 71

Ben,
GREAT pictures. Your work looks beautiful.
I did a full-on restoration of my 71. It's a TREMENDOUS amount of work to do really well. BUT, I found it to be BIG FUN and VERY SATISFYING.
I'll post 2 pictures to show off and to encourage you!!!
Regards,
Alan

BenUK

Thanks again Alan. I don't think I can justify going to the NCRS-level of restoration perfection that you achieved but I'm trying to get it looking roughly original. My car doesn't have its original chassis so it's never going to be anything other than a nice-looking car and I'm realistic about it. I'll "never" sell it though and this project is purely for my benefit.

Alan 71

Ben,
I like cars that show craftsmanship, stock or not. That's why I can appreciate cars like yours and Stan's Road Race Vette.
Keep up the nice work!!!!
Regards,
Alan