rear suspension parts

**Michael M.** · January 27, 2009, 05:24 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Brad, others I am sure will chime in, but I think, with regard to the rear suspension, that it will depend on what's on the car and to what level you are attempting to restore the vehicle (is it a driver or are you going for a Top Flight?). For instance, at some point in the evolution of the C3s the rear strut rods changed from smaller ends to larger ends and many cars that originally had the smaller end type ended up with the larger end type because the larger type were service replacements. Are you replacing your rear spring or just re-painting, etc. (I think most people are getting new rear leaf spring liners from Quanta and there are lots of posts about the proper color to paint the rear spring). Are the shocks original, if so, you should keep them, if not, again it depends on whether you want to try and source originals, use repros that are close or just go with a performance aftermarket shock.

I know that I get my hardware from Paragon for the stuff with the proper headmarks but they don't always have everything either. Not sure if you plan on removing the body from the frame, but once the rear suspension is out is a great opportunity to replace the gas tank. Again, Quanta is the vendor of choice here for most people.

Maybe a little more info on your goals will help.

**Brad H.** · January 27, 2009, 07:28 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Michael,
Thanks for writing. Actually I am trying to get as close to Top Flight as possible but it is not imperative. This is not a body off restoration, but is very close. I have not begun the aft section of the car yet, but I am getting close. In response to your thoughts about the gas tank, is it possible to remove the tank without removing the rear end, etc.?

I have read all I can about the rear suspension on the 69 and was looking for suggestions of companies to send trailing arms etc to for rebuild.
Again, Thanks for any help...
Brad Hood

**Paul J.** · January 27, 2009, 07:31 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Brad:

Michael brings up some good points that you want to think about. You need to know where you're going with your restoration before you get too far.

With respect to the interior, there were many recent posts regarding suppliers. Al Knock seems to be very popular. You may want to check the archives for the discussions on interior suppliers.

Paul

**Michael M.** · January 28, 2009, 08:44 AM

Re: rear suspension parts

Brad, take my advice for what its worth as I do not have a Top Flight car, nor is that my goal. I have read a lot of posts on this forum though. You can do an archive search and see what other people have done in the past. I have seen people on this board recommend Bair's for trailing arms, although I have no personal experience with them (but they do seem to come highly recommended). Also, although trailing arms from 65-82 Corvettes may be functionally interchangeable, I believe there are differences and changes occurred over the years. You should research this and make sure that the trailing arms you will pay to have rebuilt are correct for your '69 (and I would say this goes for all of the parts from the strut rods to the differential, rear end cover, etc.). Sorry I can't help more. In nutshell, I don't think there's a single source for all of the parts you may need. Also, many people use Gary Ramadei for differential rebuilding and trailing arm rebuilds. I know from personal experience he does top quality work.

Also, I believe the gas tank can be removed without removing the rear suspension, but it will be a lot easier and the exhaust has to come down for both jobs.

**Richard C.** · January 28, 2009, 11:17 AM

Re: rear suspension parts

Michael,may we get Gary Ramadei, phone number?

THANKS Richard

**Paul O.** · January 28, 2009, 12:52 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Brad check the out the photos that Bill Chamberlain had take in Kissimmee meet last week. There was a 1969 blue interior that was one of the best I or my judging partner had ever seen. Who ever did the resto on the interior did an outstanding job the fit and finish was just great the only problems were what you normally find on resto seat cushions to firm and high and the door panels with the black plastic or what ever backing. the carpet and other panels were just outstanding. If you can contact the Florida chapter and see if they can get you in contact with the owner and you could ask him what vender and who did the install. This could be the link to the photos hope this helps . Paul 18046 https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=66743

**Michael M.** · January 28, 2009, 06:03 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Here is Gary Ramadei's contact info.

Gary Ramadei
104 John W. Murphy Dr.
New Haven, CT 06513
(203) 776-2813 x139

**Steven B.** · January 28, 2009, 06:18 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Originally posted by Michael Missailidis (46956)

Brad, take my advice for what its worth as I do not have a Top Flight car, nor is that my goal. I have read a lot of posts on this forum though. You can do an archive search and see what other people have done in the past. I have seen people on this board recommend Bair's for trailing arms, although I have no personal experience with them (but they do seem to come highly recommended). Also, although trailing arms from 65-82 Corvettes may be functionally interchangeable, I believe there are differences and changes occurred over the years. You should research this and make sure that the trailing arms you will pay to have rebuilt are correct for your '69 (and I would say this goes for all of the parts from the strut rods to the differential, rear end cover, etc.). Sorry I can't help more. In nutshell, I don't think there's a single source for all of the parts you may need. Also, many people use Gary Ramadei for differential rebuilding and trailing arm rebuilds. I know from personal experience he does top quality work.

Also, I believe the gas tank can be removed without removing the rear suspension, but it will be a lot easier and the exhaust has to come down for both jobs.

I used to work down the hall from a special guy who knew a heck of alot about Corvettes and he recommended Bair's (Yogi) as the only guy to do T-arms. The guy was John Woods.

**Larry M.** · January 28, 2009, 07:47 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Originally posted by Steven Brohard (5759)

I used to work down the hall from a special guy who knew a heck of alot about Corvettes and he recommended Bair's (Yogi) as the only guy to do T-arms. The guy was John Woods.

Agree. I plan to have my T-arms rebuilt next year, and will send them to Bairs. www.bairs.com

Excellent reputation and work.

Larry

**Ned T.** · February 22, 2009, 07:14 AM

Re: rear suspension parts

Originally posted by Paul Oslansky (18046)

Brad check the out the photos that Bill Chamberlain had take in Kissimmee meet last week. There was a 1969 blue interior that was one of the best I or my judging partner had ever seen. Who ever did the resto on the interior did an outstanding job the fit and finish was just great the only problems were what you normally find on resto seat cushions to firm and high and the door panels with the black plastic or what ever backing. the carpet and other panels were just outstanding. If you can contact the Florida chapter and see if they can get you in contact with the owner and you could ask him what vender and who did the install. This could be the link to the photos hope this helps . Paul 18046 https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=66743

Has anyone ever contacted the Florida Chapter to find out who's interior is in this car? It would be nice to know since it looks so good.

**Gary V.** · March 3, 2009, 11:11 PM

Re: rear suspension parts

Originally posted by Brad Hood (49930)

I am a new member in the process of restoring a 69. I am nearing time to start on the rear suspension and I would appreciate any comments or suggestions on which companies (since there seems to be a million of them) are the best to supply or rebuild these components.

My next question concerns seat covers. I have a 69 (metallic) bright blue interior and am looking for suggestions for the best/most accurate seat cover and foam suppliers. I have purchased from Corvette America for most of my interior parts with mixed results. Any ideas??
Thanks,
Brad Hood

Check out www.Vtechcorvette.com for trailing arms and differentials.

rear suspension parts

rear suspension parts

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