Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

[Michael B.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

I have to tell you a funny story about that photo. I have an airplane tied down at a small airport in Elk Grove. Last year I had just finished up with a short pleasure flight and I was looking out at that golden field of dry weeds and thought; that would make a great picture with the Corvette.

So the next weekend I cleaned up the car, took off my 225/60R-15s on Torque Thrust rims and put the stock tires and PO2 wheel covers on and headed for the airport with camera in hand.

What a disappointment when I arrived. The local Fire Department had used the field (with permission) to train during the week and the golden field was now mostly black ash and soot. I had to wait and entire year to get the setting back.

[Wayne K.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

Jerry,

If I were you I'd make sure there wasn't a problem with the grommet before I'd worry about fixing the wheel.

[James G.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

Mike,

Thanks for your help at the meet.

I don't know what I'm looking at, but here's a few pictures, after I jacked up the car today. It looks to me like the wheel was just about to come off:



Here's looking up that gap between the rotor shield and the wheel:



I guess one would call this excessive runout. You can see the parking brake shoes, which I think were the root of the problem. I've been having trouble with the parking brake for a number of years now and had it on my list to replace them. (Even have a SS kit).

Here's the U joint close up:



So I think I need a new spindle, rotor, parking brake and wheel bearings both sides, maybe a brake caliper. Anyone see anything else in the photos.

After looking at this, I thank my lucky stars.

Hi Jerry,
Hate to say it, but these cars are getting old and the LAST ITEM anyone repairs is the suspension. You can't see it so why bother.

I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND YOU REPLACE BOTH TRAILING ARM ASSEMBLIES. The trailing arm may be OK, but only an authorized Corvette shop or Chevrolet dealer will be able to tell. CORVETTE WORLD in Rancho Cordova was recomended by others, and they can be very good.

BAIRS CORVETTES in Pennsylvania have been servicing units for years.
see http://www.bairs.com/

You need to remove your unit completly, and send it to them. They will completely rebuild it with all new parts. The GM 63 SERVICE manual with 65 supplement explains the procedure. All 63-82 Corvettes have the same problem.

Hope this helps in at least understanding what must be done to repair. But trust me, if one side is broke......the other side is about to break. And it gets expensive, so do your home work. I have seen some jobs sell for over $3000 due to parts cost

[Gerard F.]

I bit the bullet

James,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Just ordered new left and right trailing arm assemblies with riveted rotors, as well accessory parts to properly install and align them from Paragon.

Although they only gave me the 10% NCRS discount on the trailing arms, I'm now on their 15% discount list for everything else.

Figured that this was the best way to get my 67 back on the road quickly and safely.

A little major purchase for me, but I only paid $3500 for the car in 68. Guess I'm doing my part to help the economy, and getting my baby restored. This group might even see a little restoration of original trailing arms, once I get them on the bench. I just ain't turning in any cores.



Stay tuned.

Having fun (but with a little delay)

[Sandra H.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

Nice looking car Jerry.......a question for you or anyone else that would care to answer.
Do you guys drive your cars with the original hubcaps on them?
My (someday) '62 driver has the original hubcaps on it, but it just doesn't seem like a great idea to leave her out of my sight with them.
What do you think?
Regards, Sandra

[James G.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

Way to go Jerry. And only $3500 in 1968. I passed on a 57 power window 270hp car in 1970 for $750. It would not start and run........

Sandra..........drive it and enjoy. Hubcaps are not hard to find.

[Rick S.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

Sandra,
Your wheel covers are most likely more valuable than 67 center caps/ trim rings. I have the original center caps and trim rings and drive the car frequently in the summer driving season (2000-3000 miles).I also attend many events and leave the car unattended. My thought is..that is why I have insurance.
Rick

[Sandra H.]

Re: Top Flight at Elk Grove, CA , but......

Thanks for the replies......the day has been going really great, so thought I should worry about something like hubcaps (if there's nothing to worry about, I'll make something up).
I read about gas caps being stolen (I have mine), and just wondered what else is a target.
Cheers, Sandra