c-2 help on rear trailing arms bushing replacement

[Paul J.]

Re: c-2 help on rear trailing arms bushing replacement

Butch-----

I absolutely do not recommend trying to rebuild the trailing arms yourself. Once-upon-a-time I decided I was going to learn how to do it myself. I did learn how to do it but in the process I spent about $3,000 in ruined parts and special tools. I also had MANY "re-do's" before I got it right and a lot of frustration. It was a VERY expensive and frustrating experience. Now, I know how to do it but I'll probably never have to do it again (I only perform work on my own cars). This is a job that may SEEM like it's pretty simple and straight-forward, but it's not what it seems. And, it has to be done right. Experience is everything here; tutorials can't instill the experience.

As far as the trailing arm forward bushings go, I would use only stock GM rubber type. Period.

In addition to the other sources mentioned, Gary Ramadei who can be contacted through this board is an experienced and reliable rebuilder of these arms.

Butch, Gary is very knowledgeable and has shared this from time to time. Here's one of his demonstrations from another web site. As Joe said, it looks easy but it's not.

http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77000

Paul

[Terry M.]

Re: c-2 help on rear trailing arms bushing replacement

Hi again, I have a 65 big block coupe, that has the stock suspenion bushings, I need to remove the rear trailing arms to replace them, It looks like getting to the front pivot bolt to push them out can be a little tricky, does anyone have a way to get this done?

Also when I have them out I need to rebuild my e brakes and replace u joints, and replace the brake rotors, how do the rear spindles come apart?

Thanks again

Butch stroupe (49713)

Butch,
I have a more than fair mechanical ability and access to a full shop (5 hoists and 3 full sets of Snap-on tools) -- and I didn't even debate about doing the rear trailing arms myself. No way did I even think of doing them myself. If you have enough patience, time and money you could probably learn how -- but why? Send them to someone who knows what they are doing and already has the experience. You have some good recommendations above. Listen to them.

At one time in my foolish youth I thought I could learn to do body work and painting. That too was another lost cause. What I learned is it was better to use someone who already has those skills.

[Don H.]

Re: c-2 help on rear trailing arms bushing replacement

I am some what hesitant to post this but here goes. You have received some very good advice here from many people I respect very much. But one aspect of our hobby is the satisfaction of doing things yourself. I have owned and done quite a few "mid-year" rear wheel bearings. A saying I use is "you will never learn any younger." Good luck whatever you decide. Don H.