help! can't find leaf links

[veratyr9]

I'm a freelance auto tech. I'm doing a partial restoration for a customer on a 63 split window 327. It is in near mint condition unrestored, just needs the usual parts that dry up/wear out replaced (spent its whole life under a cloth parked in a garage). I've tracked everything down except two things: A rebuild kit, bearings, shims and all for the differential, and the parts that look like oversized sway bar links that connect the rear spindle to the leaf spring. What the heck are these things called? I have not had to order them before. These vettes have a bizzare setup for the rear end, chevy was way ahead of its time on this car. Never worked on a C2 before. Where do you guys go for stuff like this? Didn't see them on summit, napa, oreilley's, jegs or autozone. These cars have far too much of a following to not have an aftermarket company making them. Also, much to my surprise, haven't found a diff kit that included bearings. gonna have to buy it all separate? Links, suggested retailers etc would be appreciated. The bigger the company the better, want them quick and hassle free. This customer wants the car back quick to take it around town now that summer is here. The car is absolutely bone stock with the exception of a radio that was mounted in the glove box. So for value reasons, direct replacement rather than conversion is a must. -Brandon Minneapolis, MN

[BADBIRDCAGE]

Brandon:

The oversized sway bar like looking parts you describe are simply bolts and cushions to attach the leaf to the trailing arms. You can obtain them from any major vendor of Corvette parts.

What you might try is going on line to Vette Brakes and Products, Zip Corvete Parts, Long Island Corvette Supply, Paragon, Mid America Corvette or any other Corvette parts supplier. They all have them.

For your differential parts try Bair's Corvette Parts or once again Zip, Paragon, etc.

This stuff isn't that difficult to obtain.

You posted that you haven't worked on a C2 before. Either you or the owner of the car should obtain a service manual so you won't be blind on what you are doing. It is just as easy to screw up one of these cars as it is to repair it properly. Don't be that guy that screws it up because of a $50 dollar or less expenditure for the manual.

Rich

[veratyr9]

Those links connecting the trailing arm to the leaf spring are not carried by any of the local parts shops here, and I didn't see them on Jegs or Summit. I'm sure the corvette places have them, but have never had to order from them so was looking for some recommendations where to buy from. The diff kits i found at the local parts stores were complete kits minus bearings.

Yea I've got a service manual for it. no way would I ever work on a car without torque specs :-P. actually, the service manual was printed in 1964, I guess the original owner bought one when he got the car. Sucks because that means I can't use it with greasy hands lol

I'll check out those vette places, thanks for the info :-)

[robert miller]

Originally Posted by veratyr9

Those links connecting the trailing arm to the leaf spring are not carried by any of the local parts shops here, and I didn't see them on Jegs or Summit. I'm sure the corvette places have them, but have never had to order from them so was looking for some recommendations where to buy from. The diff kits i found at the local parts stores were complete kits minus bearings.

Yea I've got a service manual for it. no way would I ever work on a car without torque specs :-P. actually, the service manual was printed in 1964, I guess the original owner bought one when he got the car. Sucks because that means I can't use it with greasy hands lol

I'll check out those vette places, thanks for the info :-)

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