Trailing arm shim question

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Dec 4, 2018 | 05:12 PM

Paul71LT1

Thread Starter

Pro

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 713

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From: Waterford CT

Trailing arm shim question

I recently picked up a '69 coupe project. This is an early build car having been built in October of '68. Can someone out there tell me when the trailing arm shims changed from the type with a hole that required removing the bolt to change shims to the slotted type with the large cotter pin retainer like my '71 uses? Is there any reason I can't drill the holes for the cotter pin and switch to the later style shims that make it much easier to do the alignment? This an non-original car with the wrong color, wrong interior and a '68 327 under the hood so I have no issue changing the shim style.

I thank you for your inputs.

Dec 4, 2018 | 05:22 PM

MelWff

Race Director

Joined: May 2006

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my 69, November, has the hole for the cotter pin and there is no reason why you cannt use the slotted shims.

Dec 4, 2018 | 06:50 PM

flyeri

Drifting

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 1,347

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From: Kernersville NC

Just finished rebuilding the trailing arms on my 68 and am drilling the holes for the cotter pins.

Dec 4, 2018 | 07:10 PM

0Willcox Corvette

Former Vendor

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

I have to say... the non slotted shims are a disaster for the alignment shops. Because for them to align the car you have to pull the bolt back out of the arm and test, move shims, install, remove again. Adding the cotter pin hole and using the slotted shims is the smart way to go unless you are planning on showing this car NCRS.... then I'd stay with the original style shims.

Willcox

Dec 4, 2018 | 07:53 PM

Barry's70LT1

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 2,065

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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

My '70 had the non slotted shims, however it did have the holes in the frame for the cotter pin/slotted type. I now have slotted SS shims and cotter pins.