Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

[Bill C.]

Hey -

was wondering if anyone had a rule to follow or a procedure that could be used for putting initial shims in the trailing arms?

The car has zero shims right now - was put back together by PO and I have no idea what was used.

Any insight/help is GREATY appreciated!!

Thanks -
Bill

[John H.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

Hey -

was wondering if anyone had a rule to follow or a procedure that could be used for putting initial shims in the trailing arms?

The car has zero shims right now - was put back together by PO and I have no idea what was used.

Any insight/help is GREATY appreciated!!

Thanks -
Bill

Bill -

I'd get an assortment of several thicknesses of shims, install the same total thickness on both the inboard and outboard sides of each trailing arm (centering them in the frame pocket), and that will get you to the alignment shop.

[Bill C.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

John,

thanks for the reply ....


here is my issue with getting it 4 wheel aligned here in Tallahassee -- nobody is comfortable doing the work.

I don't think they know how/where to start with the rear of the car.
I am using the 68-69 shim pack that are bolt hole only. Not the nice later style ones you can slide up and in.

I can't imaging the mess these folks around here will make of the trailing arm un-assembling and moving shims and reassembling to check the toe and track.

I was hoping to get it as close as possible to the 1/8 setting.....

I know how to set the tow using the string method - but I don't how to check to see if the frame is off square.
If I knew how to set a center line on the frame (no body on it now) I could measure out to the center of each spring pocket and shim the TA accordingly to make equal distant.

If anyone can tell me the correct process to get the center line set, I can get the tracking and toe set pretty darn close.

Thanks
Bill

[Terry B.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

Bill, I cut the end out of the shims so the alignment shop would not have to assemble and reassemble and used an alignment shop that did race car alignments and other type of specialty cars. I would call race shops in your area to see who they use. Terry

[Edward J.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

Bill, If you can get a tape measure and get the measurements about the same front and rear in the middle of the tire threads (try and get the same spot on tire front and rear) and try get the measurements to be about the same ( sometimes the exhaust pipes get in the way, try to get the tape over the top of pipes)

[Christopher K.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

Bill
It's been about 25 years, but I used Lamars Front End when I lived in Panama City. That's where he was and he did an awesome job for $35 !!
Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

John,

thanks for the reply ....


here is my issue with getting it 4 wheel aligned here in Tallahassee -- nobody is comfortable doing the work.



Bill

Bill------


I'm not surprised, at all. Even if you found an alignment shop that would take the job, I'd be very leery that they were really qualified and doubtful that I'd get a good alignment. What you need to find is a Corvette specialty shop that also has alignment capabilities.

One more thing: I absolutely do not recommend the use of the "two hole" style shims. These make an alignment much more difficult and time consuming and almost guarantee that you're going to get a marginal job even from an experienced Corvette specialty shop. I use only the slotted style shims. You don't really need to use the long cotter pins for retention. I've never lost a shim even without the cotter pins installed. However, if your car is a late 1969, it may have the cotter pin holes. Mine does.

[Bill C.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

thanks for all the replies --- lots to think about

just curious - is it a big ding at judging if I slot the shims?
just don't know if anyone looks at them when doing the chassis.

[Terry M.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

thanks for all the replies --- lots to think about

just curious - is it a big ding at judging if I slot the shims?
just don't know if anyone looks at them when doing the chassis.

Get some of the slotted shims in steel, and take it to the alignment shop with those in. Let them do the alignment with the slotted shims, and when you get home change to the ones with the holes. All you have to do is keep track of the thickness of the slotted shims on each side and replace with the same thickness shims with the holes. You will be spot on, and no deduction. This is exactly what someone suggested a ways up the thread. I know lots of people who do that, but you still have to find an alignment shop that knows C2/C3 Corvettes. That is not so easy, as you are finding out.

[Bill C.]

Re: Setting Trailing Arm Shims --- 1969

Terry --

Very good idea .. :-))
That will work just right -- then I can change them out back home..

Thanks --