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Old 02-21-2002, 05:20 PM
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chigung
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Default Van Steel

Anybody used them for the rear wheel bearing replacment service?

Any info/reviews would help

thanks
Dave
Old 02-21-2002, 05:33 PM
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Noel Carboni
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

My experience: Some years ago I bought a set of their offset trailing arms, complete with new rear spindles/bearings installed.

Inside a year I had snapped off both spindles. Losing a wheel isn't fun. Fortunately both times were at very low speeds, and the second time my caliper hung onto the wheel so there was no body damage.



Bear in mind this story is based on Van Steel hardware purchased back in 1995. It's possible they've changed things since then.

When I disassembled the broken parts, I noted that the splines were twisted. I concluded the materials they made those axles out of wern't the best. I am now running hardened spindle assemblies from VettePartsOnline.com (formerly Florida Calipers). No problems so far.

The Van Steel trailing arms seem to be very good, though.

-Noel
Old 02-21-2002, 05:34 PM
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

Dave,

Art is a great guy, you can't go wrong having him do your bearings, t-arms, rear diff, whatever you need. I've done plenty of business there and I'm completely satisfied.
Old 02-21-2002, 05:38 PM
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chigung
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

they want $310 a wheel to do them here localy (dallas/Ft Worth), with no warrenty.

So van steel is cheaper, and has a warrenty!

I think ill take door # 2
Old 02-21-2002, 05:47 PM
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

Hey Noel,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember a while back that Florida Caliper was really screwing people who ordered parts/brakes. Weren't they over on the east side of Florida near Orlando/Daytona? Or am I thinking of a different place? Some forum members paid for stuff they never got, one guy here...can't remember who though really got stiffed by them. But, as I said, I can't even remember if FC was the right name.
Old 02-21-2002, 07:36 PM
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paso
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Default Re: Van Steel (C3 Shark Tank)

Van steel 's work is first rate in my mind.
Old 02-21-2002, 08:01 PM
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a69vette
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2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
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Default Re: Van Steel (paso)

I picked up my trailing arms yesterday from Van Steel. What a great job, great 5 yr warranty. Arty is excellent! 2 t-arms rebuilt, new parking brakes w/all stainless hardware, poly bushings, and 2 new rotors......$817.00 All balanced and ready to go.

Rick
Old 02-21-2002, 08:02 PM
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R. Bruno
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

Also check out Bairs in Pennsylvania. They too have a good reputation here have my trailing arms now. I looked into both and think Bairs was slightly less $$.
Old 02-21-2002, 08:17 PM
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chigung
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Default Re: Van Steel (R. Bruno)

do they have a web site?
Old 02-21-2002, 08:24 PM
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

do they have a web site?
http://www.vansteel.com/

They did mine and I was very happy with the work they did. I sent them just the wheel assemblies. Besides looking good, I've never had a problem since.

Here's the fore and aft:

Fore (of course)

Aft: (of course)


Old 02-21-2002, 08:24 PM
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jackson
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

http://www.bairs.com

bairs@toolcity.net
Old 02-21-2002, 11:41 PM
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Noel Carboni
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Default Re: Van Steel (C3 Shark Tank)

Hey Noel,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I seem to remember a while back that Florida Caliper was really screwing people who ordered parts/brakes.
Sorry; I don't know what other people may have experienced. Their shop is in Florida - Delray Beach - not too far from where I live. I go over there in person, and have had zero problems with them myself. Their hardware seems to be very good. Just relating my own experience.

-Noel
Old 02-22-2002, 01:35 AM
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flynhi
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

Van did both my rear bearing assemblies about 7 years back. No problems.
Old 02-22-2002, 08:06 AM
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R1234
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

I used Van Steel for a complete rebuild of my 68 trailing arms. Art is super nice.
Old 02-22-2002, 09:14 AM
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Default Re: Van Steel (68rdstr)

I spend a lot of time over at VanSteel during my lunch breaks. They are absolutely top notch in my opinion. I have had them do trailing arms, bearings, to exhaust on my 2002. I am always completely satisfied!
Old 02-24-2002, 07:23 PM
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Default Re: Van Steel (chigung)

Throw my name in FOR Van Steel...About 2 yers on bearing assys and no problems... :smash:

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