1969 Trailing Arm Date question

[Joseph A.]

I am restoring a 1969 Corvette and would like to stamp the trailing arms with a date for my restoration. Are the trailing arm dates for the left and right side the same/close to each other, or are they closer to the date of the rear spindle housing?

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1969 Trailing Arm Date question

Joseph,

Those are really two different questions.

I have found them to be close to each other, often within a few days.

However, since the rear spindle housing was cast before the trailing arm was ever built, the date of that part is not necessarily that similar.

[Ron G.]

[Patrick B.]

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 Trailing Arm Date question

Ink stamped (like the books we borrowed from the library) with white ink on the inboard side between the bearing housing and the bushing. On the ones I have seen the drivers side (LH) is upside down and the Passenger side (RH) is right side up. They deteriorate quickly, so only low mileage cars have them.

[Leonard M.]

Re: 1969 Trailing Arm Date question

Here are the original ink stamps from my July 11th '72. Stamps are June 20th and June 28th. No regard to a particular position.
ta date.jpgta date r.jpgDSCN3167.jpgDSCN3171.jpgDSCN3125.jpg

[Ron G.]

Re: 1969 Trailing Arm Date question

Terry is correct in that all Corvettes had them, but because the ink was soluble they disappeared rather quickly due to the elements. Even going thru a puddle could have washed it off. The 68-72 stamp measurement of the fonts are: Length 1 3/4" and height 3/8". Like Terry mentioned usually one stamp, the driver side is upside down and the passenger side is right side up. Also, they are typically a day or two apart. One of my own personal cars that I have owned for 47 years was just like the aforementioned configuration. If I seen the two dates upside down or right side up, I would never take a deduction because I believe that that could have happened.

[Ron G.]

Re: 1969 Trailing Arm Date question

I inadvertently forgot to mention that within the trail arm Stamp there are only the first three letters of the month used, no periods, and no commas.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 Trailing Arm Date question

Terry is correct in that all Corvettes had them, but because the ink was soluble they disappeared rather quickly due to the elements. Even going thru a puddle could have washed it off. The 68-72 stamp measurement of the fonts are: Length 1 3/4" and height 3/8". Like Terry mentioned usually one stamp, the driver side is upside down and the passenger side is right side up. Also, they are typically a day or two apart. One of my own personal cars that I have owned for 47 years was just like the aforementioned configuration. If I seen the two dates upside down or right side up, I would never take a deduction because I believe that that could have happened.

I am with you Ron in that I don't think right side up or upside down makes much difference. I would be so happy to see them, the orientation wouldn't matter.

BTW: I was remiss in failing to add earlier: For those who find this information enlightening I would direct you to the 1968-69 TIM&JG, 6th Edition, Page 229, Figs.Ch 7.34 & 7.35 and the text beside them. It should surprise no one that 1968s are different.

Also in the 1970-72 TIM&JG, 6th Edition, Page 231, Fig. Ch 7.25 and the text below it. I hope y'all enjoy the search as much as we do.

Outstanding pictures Leonard. Thank you for posting them.