Help install VBP Upper A-Arms- JohnZ or anybody?

[Wilkinshc]

I called VBP and they were not much help on installing the upper A-arms. Basically install them, once all together (restoration all done) check it and if not right take apart and turn the shafts. But I was hoping to get it close now instead of taking it all apart once the body is back on. Is there any way to determine which way the offset shafts should be turn (upper ball joint in toward engine or out away from engine). I thought if you have an idea on what shims I had to get the stock setting originally that would give me an idea which way to turn the shafts. My driver side had 1 shim (1/16") on front and 2 (3/16") rear. The passenger side had 3 (1/4") front and 6 (1/2") rear. So my thoughts are with the offset shafts the passenger side should be turned as to bring the ball joint toward the engine since there is alot of shims and I would like a street/track setting (.25 neg per VBP instructions) and the driver side turned as to take the ball joint out because the offset would probably bring it in pass the stock setting with just the offset.
Does that seem right?

Thanks
Chuck

 

[youwish2bme]

Sounds like the way that they were is/are going to be the best you can do as you have the one in the front L.. Sorry man but the shims will be very subjective... But you can't get any less than you already have (well I don't think you can..)... Dave..

 

[Wilkinshc]

Dave,

I had stock a-arms previously and no installing the tubular a-arms from VBP which have offset shafts, stock shafts are centered. So if I install the VBP shafts with the offset towards the engine it puts the ball joint outward more or positive camber then the stock shafts. If turned 180 they give more neg. camber.

Hope that makes it a little more clear as to my question.

Thanks for the reply.
Chuck

 

[youwish2bme]

I would install the offsets toward the motor.. That way you will always have adjustment.. Dave..

 

[Wilkinshc]

Thanks for the advice.

Chuck

 

[Wilkinshc]

Chuck,
Sorry you did not get any better assistance when you called.

I personally, would measure the distance (with shims and the stock arm) from the bushing center to the flat spot on the shaft where it bolts to the car. Then measure these same points on the new shaft twice – once with the offset turned in and again with it turned out. Bolt the new arms on using whichever shaft direction that measured closest to the stock w/shims shaft setup.

This is really hard to convey in writing so I hope that this helps you. Please call or write anytime …

Sincerely,
Alan G.
Vette Brakes & Products, Inc.
http://www.VBandP.com

I believe I understand what you are saying, I presume I was right in my thoughts.

Since the ps side had alot of shims in it I need the shaft turn so the offset is to the outside so I will need less shims to get it back the stock location and the Driverside will be turned to the inside since it had very few shims (1/16"). It will probably need a little more in shims but turned to the outside it would be pass the stock with no shims.

Thats the help I was looking for.


Thanks
Chuck