New C3---Big Problem
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch MS
St. Jude Contributor
New C3---Big Problem
Well my wife and I bought us a 79 Vette. I knew it needed work when I looked at it but we got it pretty cheap. Have learned quite a bit in the month I have had it. Here is the big problem. Trailing arm is broke on right side. Bolt from spring is mounted through top hole in trailing arm. Spring is totally flatened out. Looks like I'm going to try and replace the arm and the spring. Wish me luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch MS
St. Jude Contributor
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
By the way, what other parts should I need along with the trailing arm and the spring to bolt everything back together
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
Good luck!!! you may want to check out Van Steel for parts. They are nice people to deal with and they support the forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 227
From: N Cal
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
Welcome to the Forum! I would recommend replacing both trailing arms at the same time. If one is bad, the other side has been stressed and will need attention soon. Enjoy The Toy!!!
:D :cheers:
:D :cheers:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
Welcome to the forum.
One thing you might want to learn how to do is post pics on the forum. I've found that it is very useful to post a pic of my problem along with the description. Sometimes guys will point out something else I don't see and can get my problem solved easily.
Good luck with the repairs.
One thing you might want to learn how to do is post pics on the forum. I've found that it is very useful to post a pic of my problem along with the description. Sometimes guys will point out something else I don't see and can get my problem solved easily.
Good luck with the repairs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
It ain't always about prices, it can be about support, too. Stick around for a while. If Van Steel gets wind of this thread (they're a supporting vendor), they may have something to say... :yesnod:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ontario
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
By the way, what other parts should I need along with the trailing arm and the spring to bolt everything back together
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
By the way, what other parts should I need along with the trailing arm and the spring to bolt everything back together
Get a Zip catalog, order one of everything....
:lolg:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
Welcome to the forum. If you have trouble, just post and you get a few great opinions on how to handle it.
Learn to do as much as you can yourself. For the trailing arms, they have bearings in them that require professional set-up due to the tools required and tight tolerances IMHO. Get both trailing arms replaced and install the arms yourself with a new spring. Then go have it aligned professionally at a corvette shop or ask the local vette shops where they take their vettes to if they dont do alignments.
You also should check for rear end side yoke play. These are known to wear. Having your vette handle properly makes it far more enjoyable to drive around the countryside.
Besides- working on your Vette is half the fun, right?? :jester
Brent...
Learn to do as much as you can yourself. For the trailing arms, they have bearings in them that require professional set-up due to the tools required and tight tolerances IMHO. Get both trailing arms replaced and install the arms yourself with a new spring. Then go have it aligned professionally at a corvette shop or ask the local vette shops where they take their vettes to if they dont do alignments.
You also should check for rear end side yoke play. These are known to wear. Having your vette handle properly makes it far more enjoyable to drive around the countryside.
Besides- working on your Vette is half the fun, right?? :jester
Brent...
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: I'm bleeding, making me the victor!
Re: New C3---Big Problem (l2vette)
Welcome to the Forum! I would recommend replacing both trailing arms at the same time. If one is bad, the other side has been stressed and will need attention soon. Enjoy The Toy!!!
:D :cheers:
:D :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: New C3---Big Problem (brooksman9)
Brooksman, you can get rebuilt T-arms from Van Steel (and others) that have the bearings, e-brakes, rotors, everything all set up perfect and ready for installation. Add a new steel or composite spring and shocks you will be ready to go (providing you don't have excess play in the yokes). There is a lot of "while I'm at it's" that can consume a lot of money once you start rebuilding suspension, but you probably want to get it right without having more things go wrong in a short period of time.