To Shim or Not To Shim
Guys, in the process of restoring my '56 Corvette I discovered that there was no shim between the front crossmember and the frame on either side. I have owned the car for over 42 years and it has not been apart since I have owned it. I am wondering if I should consider putting reproduction shims in that location or put it back the way it was? Thanks in advance! Brooks Glover (2141)
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Re: To Shim or Not To Shim
Chuck, thanks for the reply. No I have not been having any handling or front end issues. I read somewhere where those shims would help with I believe caster or maybe camber adjustment. I did not know that '56's did not come with shims. I recon that I will leave well enough alone. My chassis is now painted and we are preparing to bolt the front crossmember to the frame. If I needed to have the shims, it would be a lot easier to put them in now rather than have to come back later with them. Thanks for the info. Brooks Glover (2141)Comment
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Re: To Shim or Not To Shim
Chuck,I have restored (4) 1956 Corvettes. They all had the crossmember spacers..Possibly the early production cars did not have them? They increase positive caster and improve handling.
Ron
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Re: To Shim or Not To Shim
Ron, thanks for the response. My car is a late '56, rolling off the assembly line on August 14th. My car definitely did not have the shims. I have not had any alignment problems over the years nor any peculiar tire wear either. At this point I am leaning toward not putting them in. I guess if something is not broken then don't fix it. I am still a bit confused though. I have talked to one source who says that not all cars had the shims--only those that needed them. I thought that one of our members was researching this a while back. I wonder what he found. Car 54 where are you? Brooks Glover (2141)Comment
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Re: To Shim or Not To Shim
Brooks, Shims were installed starting with VIN 4000 approximately according to the Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin. Dealers were advised to retrofit to earlier cars if their owner's complained about problems driving above 60 mph. Cars with no shims had third arm casting number 3706023. Cars with shims third arm casting number was changed to 3727511. Judges would not expect to see shims on your car. Gary....
NCRS Texas Chapter
https://www.ncrstexas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565408483631Comment
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Re: To Shim or Not To Shim
Gary, thanks for the reply. I have been out of pocket today and this is the first chance I have had to reply. Thanks for sharing your research on this subject. I always look forward to reading what you have to say about various questions dealing with '56 & '57 Corvettes. I guess my car (3976) came in under the wire for not having the shims. Thanks to you fellows and this forum I know what is and is not correct. Brooks Glover (2141)Comment
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