Problem Mounting Calipers on VBP offset Trailing Arm
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Concord NC
Problem Mounting Calipers on VBP offset Trailing Arm
Has anyone had problems mounting the calipers on VBP offset Trailing Arms? In order to mount the Calipers I have to cut the Dust shield down as they hit the calipers. The dust shields prevent the calipers from sitting lower so they will align up with the bolt holes. When it do mount calipers I cannot contact my brake lines. The calipers sit lower and now I have to bend the Brake lines done where they connect to the calipers. Has anyone else had this problem? Why do my calipers sit lower to the center hub then they did before?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Seattle Washington
There is something Wrong. You have something mixed up or reversed or backwards. I insalled mine and had some alignment issues but the Spindle Brake assembly bolted right on. Could it be Your missing a Part that would space everything out where it belongs?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
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offset trailing arm from VBP
I have the same trailing arms, everything fits perfect. Just looked at my car, can not understand how your problem is happening. Could you by any chance have caliper mounting brackets switched right for left? Or possibly be trying to put front calipers on rear? I know that sounds crazy, but it should fit, there is some logical explanation for the mixup. The calipers bolt to the Corvette bracket regardless of which trailing arm you use so without seeing a photo I am stumped also. Let us know what you come up with. Also, could you possibly have right trailing arm on left side? Not trying to insult your mechanical ability, but I have done worse things before.
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From: Concord NC
Thanks Guys for your input. This has me confused. I puchased the Trailing Arms from VBP fully assembled. All I needed was to tranfer the Calipers and Brake lines. I will get photos when I go to the shop today.
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From: Concord NC
This photo of the Old Brake line with the New TA shows how it looks like the Calipers are lower. Mix this with the fact That I had to cut the dust clover I thought the Calipers were mounting lower.
Now look at the OLD TA on the Left and the New VBP TA on the right. you will see that the New TA is bigger. The new TA being bigger raised the area the Brake Line was going, giving me the impression that the Calipers were mounting lower.
Why I had to cut the dust shields I do not know. But now I just have to rebend the lines to clear the bigger TAs.
Now look at the OLD TA on the Left and the New VBP TA on the right. you will see that the New TA is bigger. The new TA being bigger raised the area the Brake Line was going, giving me the impression that the Calipers were mounting lower.
Why I had to cut the dust shields I do not know. But now I just have to rebend the lines to clear the bigger TAs.
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I can't figure out why you had to cut the dust shields but hey - whatever works...
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Mundelein Illinois
I have Vansteel and had a problem mounting calipers. They told me I had to ground off a little alluminum for the caliper to fit to align with the mounting holes. I did that and it worked fine but I did not have to cut the brake shield, I would call them and see what they tell you.
I pretty sure VBP gets there T/A's from Vansteel.
My 2 cents worth.
I pretty sure VBP gets there T/A's from Vansteel.
My 2 cents worth.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,689
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From: St Petersburg FL
St. Jude Donor '07,'13
Viper80,
Something is definitely way wrong here. Everything should bolt on – easily – to our offset trailing arms. It sounds like the brackets or something got swapped around. You should not have to cut, bend or grind anything! Give us a call and ask for Gary or Steve – describe what’s up and see what they say…
Sincerely,
Alan G.
VBP - Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
PS – We make most of our own offset T-Arms and have a local fabricator (with our jigs) make them whenever we get behind. These are the same arms that are sold by Van Steel – they are very good …
Sincerely,
Alan G.
VBP - Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
Something is definitely way wrong here. Everything should bolt on – easily – to our offset trailing arms. It sounds like the brackets or something got swapped around. You should not have to cut, bend or grind anything! Give us a call and ask for Gary or Steve – describe what’s up and see what they say…
Sincerely,
Alan G.
VBP - Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
PS – We make most of our own offset T-Arms and have a local fabricator (with our jigs) make them whenever we get behind. These are the same arms that are sold by Van Steel – they are very good …
Sincerely,
Alan G.
VBP - Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Concord NC
Hi airtime,
I current have 245x60x15 with 15x8 corvette ralley wheels. The tires just missed the stock TAs. And now I have just over 2 inches of clearance. I am planning on going to 285x40x18.
I current have 245x60x15 with 15x8 corvette ralley wheels. The tires just missed the stock TAs. And now I have just over 2 inches of clearance. I am planning on going to 285x40x18.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
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From: Blairsville Ga
Did you ever figure out what was going on with are brake calipers on you vette. I'm just now assembling mine and I'm having the same problem. Mine may be the powder coating.
Thanks Scott
Thanks Scott
Last edited by shamby; Sep 15, 2009 at 02:39 PM. Reason: pictures
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From: Concord NC
Hi Scott, Is your problem the fact that the Caliper bolt holes do not line up? Did you need to cut your dust covers? Did you buy your TAs already assembled or did you buy the raw TAs? I got mine already assembled.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 704
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From: Blairsville Ga
I got mine from van steel several years ago already assembled. My bottom caliper bolt hole did not line up. I needed about 1/4 on an inche. I did not have to cut my dust pan, but I did grind the calipers just a hair. I never thought, but my problem could be all the powder coating.
Can't beat a white crome bumper vette.
Can't beat a white crome bumper vette.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Concord NC
My Calipers bolted up fine. I did NOT have to trim calipers. But I did need to cut the dust sheilds and rebend the brake line a little. The reason I needed to rebend the lines was the New TAs are stronger and a little Bigger, so as a result the original bend hit the top of the arm near where the spring bolts go. See the earlier photo.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Mundelein Illinois
You are having the same problem I did. I called Vanstell and they will replace them but I grinded the weld/top of arm down a bit so the caliper could sit lower to align the bolt. I didn't have to grind that much, I just hated grinding the powdercoating away.