C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

[Michael Ketterer]

I am ready to put a reconditioned Calif set of trailing arms in my car.
My question is how much of a point value loss for not putting the original spindals and backing plates back in?
Thanks
Michael

[Michael W.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Very hard to answer your question accurately as you've not stated what's different between the new pieces and the originals. No idea what a Calif (California?) set of trailing arms are.

In any case, the spindles are not really visible for judging once assembled and installed on the car. The backing plates are worth 1 point each, and assuming that the new ones are the correct colour and general shape a judge may not take any points off at all.

[Michael Ketterer]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Mike
The trailing arms are GM take offs from a So. California car. no pits, rust, or any of the normal stuff seen on NE cars and cars here in the SE mountains where salts used on roads and 40 years of wear and tear.
The backing plates look the same but are stainless reproductions. And I have to admit they look really nice!
But it sounds like the backing plates get some attention, during judging.
Thanks
Michael

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Stainless reproductions?!...Did you give them the "magnet test"?

I've never heard or seen any stainless reproductions offered, and it seems doubtful there would be enough demand for non-original parts to tool up for another unique reproduction. Original backing plates were dull zinc, and later versions were gold due to a dichromate wash...Is it possible you have found some origninals in excellent condition?

[Michael Ketterer]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Chuck
you are correct, a magnet holds to them, looks stainless? but can not be?
And they are not original? so I would have to think they are reproduction
They are very low gloss silver look about them, but did see a scrape thats has a shiny steel look to it??
So whats that do to a point value?
Thanks for helping with the correction Michael

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

You're the one that said they were reproductions.

There are grades of stainless that are magnetic, but those are special purpose, high temperature, high strength alloys never used in automotive applications to my knowledge...at least not by OEMs. The disadvatage of these stainless alloys is that they also lose most of their corrosion resistance, so they aren't pretty, but they're strong in hot environments.

The scrape has simply removed the plating to reveal the low carbon steel substrate...a minor deduct on the condition side would apply.

Perhaps you have stumbled onto some really nice original control arms. Original rear backing plates were zinc plated rather than galvanized like the fronts, but repros would also be plated since that is the most efficient way to make them in small quantities.

I can't remember the details on how to ID originals versus repros...check them closely for part numbers; GM put part numbers on most everything. The bottom line is...if there are no visible differences from originals, then you won't get any deducts.

[Terry M.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

They may be buffed/polished zinc -- but regardless what the finish is -- if it is not typical it is subject to a deduction. There are five metrics of originality, and each is worth 20% of the available originality points. If only the rear dust shields have this atypical finish you are looking at a 10% deduct -- assuming the front dust shields are typical.

Since we do not do partial points you may not receive any deduct for the rear dust shields, but skilled judges will keep track of fractional deducts and at some point make a deduct when the fractional quantity trips their trigger.

[Terry M.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

"Original rear backing plates were zinc plated rather than galvanized like the fronts, but repros would also be plated since that is the most efficient way to make them in small quantities."

Chuck I think it is the other way around -- rear dust shields are stamped from galvanized sheet
front dust shields are plated after stamping
I expect you are right about reproductions being plated.
but WTFDIK

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Yeah, you're probably right Terry...I'm beginning to wish I knew what I have learned and forgotten. As the years speed past faster, it's beginning to seem like everything I know/knew was a "cram" for an exam already taken.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Their is a logo or part number on originals not found on lots of reproduction dust shields.
Lyle

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

"Since we do not do partial points you may not receive any deduct for the rear dust shields, but skilled judges will keep track of fractional deducts and at some point make a deduct when the fractional quantity trips their trigger."

That would be true.
Hard to explain that to some relatively new members having their car judged, however. That takes some skill.

PH

[Michael Ketterer]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Hey guys
Thanks for all the input.
Now I know why my car is called a SPORT coupe?
I really appriciate the help.
I hope you have a good day.
Michael

[Chuck S.]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

"Now I know why my car is called a SPORT coupe?"

Uhm...No, Michael, I don't believe GM ever called their Corvette a "sport coupe" but I've been wrong before.

You're thinking of other contemporary Chevrolet "two door hard top" models, which were officially known as "sport coupe". But you can call your Corvette a sport coupe if you want to...I'm sure some owners may call their Corvette "sport's coupe".

Corvettes were simply called "coupe" (Model 19437) and "convertible" (Model 19467). Contrary to popular belief, the convertibles are NOT legitimately called "roadsters" either...only the 53-55 model years are real "roadsters" because they have removeable side curtains instead of roll up windows.

Good to have you here on the NCRS Tech Board. Worrying about getting the details right is what we do here; unfortunately, the half life of some of our memories is about a day.

[Michael Ketterer]

Re: C-3 spindal change/ point value lost

Chuck
You have a whole day!!
Seems lately mine is what did you just say? While ingaged in conversation.
Thanks
Michael

[Patrick H.]

Corvette Sport Coupe

Chuck,

You should do some more investigating before you go sermonize.

Chevrolet did indeed call the Corvette a sport coupe, specifically in the era of the car you own. It's on their own documents, advertisements, etc.

I've got some great medication for that memory of yours. Better yet, use Google when your memory fails.

Patrick