Are those trailing arm salvageable?

[denpo]

Here's the deal,
In my restoration process, I removed my trailing arm.
My plan is to have a welder redoing the welds the proper way and have johnny joints installed.


The problem is my arm are in pretty bad shape, lot of swelling, big gaps :





Do think a welder could fix those issue, hammering close the gap and rewelding them, or I'm trying to put lipstick on a pig?

 

[68L71]

Why pay a welder to fix and install J Joints in a POS arm. I think I saw a nice used set on CF for serious cheap.

Edit: It looks like you already found them and they are already blasted, painted and have the bushing removed.

 

[denpo]

Edit: It looks like you already found them

Yup, as you saw.
I guess I'm slowly adjusting my crap-o-meter, and try to evaluate as much scenario has possible.
I might get friendly priced welding service, but the exact fair haven't been dealt yet.
I know vettemod is full of MIG-heads, I'm curious to hear form them, even if just for the sake of learning more about what can/can't be restored.
I'd take the brand new TA way in a heartbeat if only my bill was not growing that quick.
All the back of the car is on the brink of restoration unworthiness. Tough calls to make.

 

[MYBAD79]

How much is shipping to/from FL ???

Looks like you already blasted the old trailing arms.... I have the correct size hole saw for the JJ install and a welder....

If shipping is somewhat reasonable you can send them to me, I'll weld them and install the JJ... .. you pay shipping ... and pizza/beer...

 

[denpo]

How much is shipping to/from FL ???

Looks like you already blasted the old trailing arms.... I have the correct size hole saw for the JJ install and a welder....

If shipping is somewhat reasonable you can send them to me, I'll weld them and install the JJ... .. you pay shipping ... and pizza/beer...

first of all, let's me tell you your generosity leave me speachless.... thanks you very much.:friends:

So your implying it's technically possible to overcome the swellings and the gaps, and regain a safe and sound TA.
Interesting.:banghead:

 

[denpo]

I have the correct size hole saw for the JJ install

That's part of the job I initially wanted to perform by myself, I have a 2" hole saw, but I just can't find a 7/16 guide bit.
Where did you find your?

 

[MYBAD79]

The most critical area on these arms is where the spring bolt is attached, then of course the area where the pivot point (JJ/bushing) is located.... these trailing arms were just like the frame welded by some monkeys ... of course over time moisture found its way between the two layers of steel ... I just re-welded and installed JohnnyJoints not too long ago:
http://vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2315&highlight=johnny+joints

the trailing arms I started with did not look much better than what you've got right now....

 

[MYBAD79]

I have the correct size hole saw for the JJ install

That's part of the job I initially wanted to perform by myself, I have a 2" hole saw, but I just can't find a 7/16 guide bit.
Where did you find your?

It's been so long I don't even know what I've done back when I did this.... guess I'm getting old....

You can just use a 7/16th drill bit to get the hole aligned to the drill's chuck..... then tighten the table that's supporting the TA.... move
the tool but don't move the TA anymore....

I think that's what I did....

 

[denpo]

I just re-welded and installed JohnnyJoints not too long ago:
http://vettemod.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2315&highlight=johnny+joints

the trailing arms I started with did not look much better than what you've got right now....

This is the very thread that got me JJ bangwagon.:thumbs:
I should have remember those trailing arm picture, you're right, you started form far.

You can just use a 7/16th drill bit to get the hole aligned to the drill's chuck..... then tighten the table that's supporting the TA.... move
the tool but don't move the TA anymore....

I think that's what I did....

Damn you're right *feel dumb*
That's smart.

 

[MYBAD79]

YUP....

send me yours..... I'll fix 'em.....

I sorta/kinda enjoy this kinda work so I really don't mind... IF shipping is reasonable... and IF you buy beer/pizza... :lol:

 

[denpo]

and IF you buy beer/pizza... :lol:

Sir, you're my guest.:beer:

 

[GTR1999]

Your arms are separating under the welded plate, very common area on these. You might be able to Hammer them down and mig them, I couldn't say without seeing them. If you are planning on keeping the car a long time I would invest in the USA not the cheap imported arms now. Your call, me I would use the new arms. I sell the USA ones for $150 each, they are dipped,powder coated, have new cups,guides and bushings, they're as good as GM arms.
I've seen rusted arms break under load driving hard.

 

[denpo]

Your arms are separating under the welded plate, very common area on these. You might be able to Hammer them down and mig them, I couldn't say without seeing them. If you are planning on keeping the car a long time I would invest in the USA not the cheap imported arms now. Your call, me I would use the new arms. I sell the USA ones for $150 each, they are dipped,powder coated, have new cups,guides and bushings, they're as good as GM arms.
I've seen rusted arms break under load driving hard.

Thanks Gary for chiming in.
I think I'll go the repair way, I want my budget to go to your tech services rather into new TA. :amused:

 

[Kid Vette]

These are pretty sweet. Not cheap though.

 

[denpo]

These are pretty sweet. Not cheap though.

Me drooling...
Edit: checked the price, not cheap, but not unreasonably pricey, in the same ballpark than Vansteel product. I'm kinda surprised.

 

[Twin_Turbo]

Global West is top quality stuff, I'd pick them over most anything else.

 

[GTR1999]

As long as they're not like these I got in off a 64!

 

[Kid Vette]

As long as they're not like these I got in off a 64!

h: Are those the special lightweight racing model? :harhar:

 

[mrvette]

HOLY SHIT, Gary.....here I thought my 'OEM' arms on my '72 were for shit when I got it.....
had to be a Long Island or New England salt car.....

hate to see that FRAME/Cage.....jeebus man....

 

[Red]

They look like something I would end up buying off the other place's 4-sale section. Held together with bubble gum and bondo and advertised like new. I'm more careful and ask plenty of questions these days. LOL