Rear T-Arm Shims.

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Would anyone happen to know the sizes of the shims?
I know how wide they are, but I need the dimensions including the drill holes and cut out dimensions.

I am stuck, the Vette is on a hoist, there are a set of shims for over $200.00 AU down in Sydney (which is two days away by shipping) and the other option is getting a set from the USA, but that is ten days away.
We are thinking of making a few up in the sizes: 1/4", 1/8", 1/32" & 1/64"

I would appreciate the help.


Tony

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Oh well, thanks anyway guys.

I will have to go down to the workshop and take one out for the sizes.

Cheers

Tony

 

[JohnZ]

Here ya go, Mate - it's 4-7/16" long, 1-1/4" high, the open slot is 9/16" wide x 1-5/8" deep to the end of the radius at the inboard end, and the hole at the other end is 1/2" wide x 11/16" high with its vertical centerline 5/8" in from the edge. G'day!

 

[78SilvAnniv]

...a set of shims for over $200.00 AU down in Sydney (which is two days away by shipping) and the other option is getting a set from the USA, but that is ten days away.

Wow! Are all parts that expensive?
Heidi

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Thanks John.

...Here ya go, Mate - it's 4-7/16" long, 1-1/4" high, the open slot is 9/16" wide x 1-5/8" deep to the end of the radius at the inboard end, and the hole at the other end is 1/2" wide x 11/16" high with its vertical centerline 5/8" in from the edge. G'day! ...

Thanks John, I appreciate the specs!

I had six of each size made up yesterday, at a laser cutter. He cut all 24 out of stainless steel. Total Cost $80.00 AU and there is no difference when compared to the origal item.
He designed them on the CAD software and sent them to the laser cutter. Job done.

Thanks again

Tony

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

Parts Cost.

Wow! Are all parts that expensive?
Heidi

Heidi,

That same set usually retails for between $30 and $40 US. The cost is usually around 3 times the USD amount, when using a 'rule of thumb' or the 'bubba method' you guys might say!

The shims probably would have cost more to send than the item price, so if that was around $50 to send, then the total USD amount would be $90. Then we have to convert it into the 'Aussie Battler' at $0.78 compared with the green back, that converts to $115.38 plus import duites of 10% and another 10% GST. The total would be around $139.61 AU if I had purchased it, but the guy who was selling the item knows that if I need that part ASAP, I will pay the $200 for his as I have to wait around 10 days for my part to arrive.
Nup, not me!
We had a suggestion made by one of our Club's 53 to 82 Vette technicians. He said that 'it isn't rocket science, get the guys at the suspension joint to make one up'. I knew they wouldn't do that so I arranged that the next morning to have some cut. He does a lot of work for our Club and he said that the first time he had to do the alignment, he got caught like I did and figured he would make some.

Your postal service is getting quicker, the USPS must have a new service as I had a part come from NY the other day in around 6 days. Not bad since it had to come from the other side of the globe!

Here's to cheaper international freight

Tony

 

[80convertible]

I sometimes complain about paying $20 or $30 for a part. I guess I should feel lucky considering what you have to go thru and pay.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Heidi,

The cost is usually around 3 times the USD amount, when using a 'rule of thumb' or the 'bubba method' you guys might say!

Bubba method would have actually involved not knowing what the shims are actually for, assuming that everyone that worked at GM is a complete idiot, taking out the stock pieces and throwing them away, then boasting to your buddies about your weight savings program. Phase 2 would involve removing more pieces from the car to solve the funny handling and tire wear problem, and more cursing of the idiots that worked at GM. Phase 3 requires watching all the adverts on Speed Channel and learning that Jegs and Summit sell all the pieces your car should have had in the first place to overcome what the idiots that worked at GM did to it. Phase 4 is giving up and trying to sell it on eBay for even a fraction of what was invested, all the while the smart mouths on the internet sites mock all the dumb mods made to the car. :L

Repeat cycle as required.

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Wowie! I knew Aussie was more expensive than USA but I had no idea just how much! My first foray into cost differences was when I was shopping for an Australian saddle for myself and my horse. I wanted an original Syd Hill but the cost was prohibitive so I bought an American made Aussie saddle from a company based in Colorado.
It is a very nice saddle, but I really wanted an authentic Aussie saddle.

Kudos to the people you know who can make parts up on the fly! That is the best!
Heidi

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

...I sometimes complain about paying $20 or $30 for a part. I guess I should feel lucky considering what you have to go thru and pay...

Thanks for the thoughts, I wish the government didn't have to get their cut for my purchase. Legal Criminals!

It just goes with owning a Vette in a country that is different from the Vettes manufacturing country. The same could be said about all imports.
It gets a bit much sometimes, but I have wanted a Vette since I was 8 years old and finally got to get one just after I turned 30, two years ago.
Cause I have wanted one for so long, you forget about how much it costs and it is all worth it when someone says, hey that is a cool looking car. I quite casually turn and say to them, I agree with you dude, that is why I bought it!

We have spent a fair bit on the old shark, a lot more than it is worth in the US, but it would still pull around $35000.00 AU here.
We picked her up for $26000.00 and have spent around $25000.00 on the driveline. Ouch, I can hear you all saying! It is a lot considering the average wage is $35000.00 per year and sharks sell on Ebay for around $8000 to $15000 USD.

So next time you guys are thinking about saying 'Damn Aussies', think about how much we pay to 'drive our dream'!


Tony

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

...Bubba method would have actually involved not knowing what the shims are actually for...

:L

I fell of me office chair when I saw your post!

 

[AUSSIEVETTEMAN]

...Wowie! I knew Aussie was more expensive than USA but I had no idea just how much! My first foray into cost differences was when I was shopping for an Australian saddle for myself and my horse. I wanted an original Syd Hill but the cost was prohibitive so I bought an American made Aussie saddle from a company based in Colorado.
It is a very nice saddle, but I really wanted an authentic Aussie saddle.

Kudos to the people you know who can make parts up on the fly! That is the best!
Heidi...

I guess it comes down to the shipping, it costs almost, if not more than the item. Your costs would have been high because of the weight of the saddle.
Could you get a cheaper off-peak shipping price?
I tend to steer away from UPS, Fedex and DHL because they are tooooooo expensive. Do you know anyone who is planning a trip to Oz in the future, they could bring it back as luggage? Don't laugh, I know a Vette owner who brought back two glass T-Tops as luggage!
Mad Vette owners!

We need a long bridge built accross the Pacific Ocean to the west side of the US! Anyone interested in throwing in a couple of bucks to build the next man made wonder? (Just kidding guys)
Hey, if I could drive over to pick up me next Vette, I would. Don't know about fuel stops though! :L

Cheers

Tony

 

[78SilvAnniv]

Don't know about fuel stops though!

Tankers?
I already bought a saddle several years ago, but having a known person agree to transport for you would be a way around the high shipping costs. But that takes planning.
Heidi