Trailing arm info

[Joseph W.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Who is going to rebuild them?

The bearing supports and other pieces are where I would look. Those are the parts that might be reused in a rebuild.
If you send them out to Bairs, for example, there is a high chance that the arm itself will be bent or too rusty to use, and be replaced anyway.
I would bet that if you asked Bair's they would agree that they replace more arms than they reuse.

[Gary R.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Salvage yard arms. May be ok or maybe junk.

The arms rot from the inside out, they're just overlap c channel and bend as well. Many times they're bent by alignment guys.

There should be no separation at the seams and back overlap.

If they are complete then possibly the axles, brackets, and supports are still good. There is a date code on the supports, the arms had white ink stamped date codes on some of the years. Any 65-82 arm will bolt in, the 82 had 4 small holes on the inside for a shield install. The 63-64 arms will bolt in too but don't have the bump stop or cable bracket welded on. The dimension is the same.

If they have been left out in the weather that's not a good sign.

The USA made bare arms are better made than the originals. The welding is much better, they come with the bushings installed, spring cup and cable guides installed. They are powder coated so that is not correct, but a scuff and coat of satin black works.

Bottom line they need to be inspected. I wouldn't pay much for them and would waste time or money if any separation is found.

[Joseph W.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Who is going to rebuild them?

The bearing supports and other pieces are where I would look. Those are the parts that might be reused in a rebuild.
If you send them out to Bairs, for example, there is a high chance that the arm itself will be bent or too rusty to use, and be replaced anyway.
I would bet that if you asked Bair's they would agree that they replace more arms than they reuse.

I was going to use Bairs.

[Joseph W.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Salvage yard arms. May be ok or maybe junk.

The arms rot from the inside out, they're just overlap c channel and bend as well. Many times they're bent by alignment guys.

There should be no separation at the seams and back overlap.

If they are complete then possibly the axles, brackets, and supports are still good. There is a date code on the supports, the arms had white ink stamped date codes on some of the years. Any 65-82 arm will bolt in, the 82 had 4 small holes on the inside for a shield install. The 63-64 arms will bolt in too but don't have the bump stop or cable bracket welded on. The dimension is the same.

If they have been left out in the weather that's not a good sign.

The USA made bare arms are better made than the originals. The welding is much better, they come with the bushings installed, spring cup and cable guides installed. They are powder coated so that is not correct, but a scuff and coat of satin black works.

Bottom line they need to be inspected. I wouldn't pay much for them and would waste time or money if any separation is found.

Good stuff Gary, thank you!
where are the USA arms sold?

I think the salvage yard said $125 each?

[Leif A.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Good stuff Gary, thank you!
where are the USA arms sold?

I think the salvage yard said $125 each?

Joseph,
Yogi Bair's Corvette sells the USA made trailing arms ($189 each side). Not to be confused with Baer's Brakes.

https://www.bairscorvette.com/c2suspension-trailingarm&hardware.html

[Patrick B.]

Re: Trailing arm info

For restoration purposes you will want to keep your original spindles and spindle supports if possible. The spindle supports have casting dates, and the spindles have a variety of symbols visible thru the center hole of the wheel indicating that they are for a big block.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Trailing arm info

For restoration purposes you will want to keep your original spindles and spindle supports if possible. The spindle supports have casting dates, and the spindles have a variety of symbols visible thru the center hole of the wheel indicating that they are for a big block.

[Keith M.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Gary R did a full rebuild on my original arms assemblies. One arm was too bent to use. Got a used bare arm from Bair's for $100 or so. I went that route cuz I wanted original look..ugly welds and all. If you strike out getting an original pair...Bair's new ones are reputed to be good. HIGHLY recommend Gary if you are looking for someone to rebuild yours.

[Joseph W.]

Re: Trailing arm info

This is assuming he has them.
If he does, I can’t imagine any value in getting trailing arms from a salvage yard.

The car is together with the original TA’s.
At some point the body will be lifted and then everything will be getting rebuilt.
I was thinking I’d buy a good used set and have them rebuilt ready to go.

[Harry S.]

Re: Trailing arm info

The car is together with the original TA’s.
At some point the body will be lifted and then everything will be getting rebuilt.
I was thinking I’d buy a good used set and have them rebuilt ready to go.

Joseph, I had to replace the TA's on my 63. Someone in the past put on 65 and newer arms that were rusted. I looked at several used sets and bought a set that I thought was good. NOT, they were rusted and swollen a bit. I should have put the cost in a new set instead of the recycling bin.

I bit the bullet and bought a new set from Bair's. I suggest, just buy a new set.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trailing arm info

Joseph, I had to replace the TA's on my 63. Someone in the past put on 65 and newer arms that were rusted. I looked at several used sets and bought a set that I thought was good. NOT, they were rusted and swollen a bit. I should have put the cost in a new set instead of the recycling bin.

I bit the bullet and bought a new set from Bair's. I suggest, just buy a new set.

Harry------


Yup! Unless one knows the COMPLETE history of the car the used arms came off of (which is virtually never known), forget used trailing arms.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Trailing arm info

The car is together with the original TA’s.
At some point the body will be lifted and then everything will be getting rebuilt.
I was thinking I’d buy a good used set and have them rebuilt ready to go.

Bair's is fast on the turnaround. You won't have to worry.

[James W.]

Re: Trailing arm info

I highly recommend Gary. You won't get the level of rebuild detail at Bairs that you WILL get from Gary.

James

[Mike B.]

Re: Trailing arm info

James,

I've sent you a PM.

Thanks, Mike