'67 rear suspension rebuild

[Keith N.]

I am preparing to have my "original" 42 year old rear suspension re-built and am trying to establish a scope of work for the mechanic. The only parts that are new are the shocks. other than periodic lubrication, all other suspension components have managed to remain untouched since new. Obviously I'll insist on factory-correct parts, but I don't know how many of the suspension components were date-coded. Any other red flags I should watch out for w/ regard to NCRS judging would also be appreciated.

[Timothy B.]

Re: '67 rear suspension rebuild

Keith,

Don't throw anything away. Send the trailing arms to one of the Corvette vendors that does that work and let them overhaul. Put nuts and bolts together with neverseize, use silicone grease on rubber, don't tighten anything until the weight of the car is on the ground.

There is a tool to knock the shock mount out of the spindle support but wedge something in the middle of the support ears so you don't crack the two ears when driving the shock mount out. It's probably rusted after 40 years.

Don't loose the shim count on the trailing arms as this will give a good starting point when reassembling. Don't worry about the camber as that's easy to set with a level.

[George T.]

Re: '67 rear suspension rebuild

I agree on sending the trailing arms out for rebuild. I did mine but you need a dial indicator to set the bearing clearance and pressing the bushings can be a pain. I found both trailing arms were rusted out from the inside after I got them apart. Luckily had a pair of cores I picked up reasonably at a swap meet. The spindle housing is date coded and the part numbers on the calipers changed from C2 to C3 although they are interchangeable. If you have them stainless lined, make sure you get yours back if they are original. Also you can replace the liners between the spring leaves if they are worn. Paragon and Long Island Vette two of many reputable parts suppliers.

[Keith N.]

Re: '67 rear suspension rebuild

Thanks Guys! If you don't mind I'm going to print these threads and take them with me! This is EXACTLY the kind of info I was hoping to get. Thanks again!!!

[Gerard F.]

Re: '67 rear suspension rebuild

Thanks Guys! If you don't mind I'm going to print these threads and take them with me! This is EXACTLY the kind of info I was hoping to get. Thanks again!!!

Keith,

I would also recommend that you send out the trailing arm assembly for reburb, or exchange them for complete new assemblies. If you noticed the article in the last Restorer, I just bought complete new trailing arms with the rotors riveted on for my 67 327/300.

They come off and go on fairly easy, but I wouldn't trust myself or a local mechanic (unless experienced with C2 Corvettes) to try to refurb them.
You need special tools and experienced hands for most of the refurb. In particular you need a special tool to set that front trailing arm bushing right and lots of tools, and measurements for the rotor runout.

I think there is Bair's or Ikerd's that does them. I got mine through Paragon but they came from Ikerd's. The only difference from my originals (which I still have) is a different number on the bearing housing ( C3 ones ) with slightly larger bosses for the camber rods (but hardly noticeable). But they work just fine on a 67.

You can and should order the trailing arms without the holes for the rear sway bar for a small block car.

Stay away from these total rear suspension kits with the poly bushings. (how do I know?) Probably just re-line your rear leaf spring, and buy exact reproduction bushings and bolt kits, part by part. Most of those kits are just generic, some parts work some don't.

The bonus on my project is that I never had to screw around with the parking brake anymore. Everything brand new within the trailing arm assembly.

Have fun

[Keith N.]

Re: '67 rear suspension rebuild

Thanks for the great input. You bought your '67 in '68?!! Wow, that's very cool. Mine is a 327-300 also, with whitewalls, tinted windshield, AM/FM and close ratio 4 speed, in Goodwood Green, that's it. A low optioned car but I love it. The way I see it, it is the same Corvette I would have bought new, in terms of representing the affordable end of the spectrum. All things being equal, I wouldn't have been able to afford a fully optioned big block then, and can't now, which makes me enjoy/ bond with this car the all the more.

HAPPY MOTORING!