Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

Hello, I blew my 66 short stepside all apart and found that the rear comtrol arms have a separation of about 1/4 to 3/8 inch about the last 2 feet along the length of the atm. How did chevy hold these 2 channels together? I expected there would be rivets but there are none. There are 5 holes through the web of the channel could I put grade 8 bolts thru them and pull it back together. Or could I weld some plate along the top and bottom? Thanks, Jimmy

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

I wouldn't weld them up completely as they need to flex under load. Mine are the same as yours due to rust scaling pushing them apart. When I get a chance I'm separating them, cleaning, painting, then using grade 5 bolts like you suggested and maybe a weld here and there for good measure.

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

here are some pics of what i did to mine, the plate was added just to rear section and a couple welds on the restAttachment 1454881

Attachment 1454883

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

Thanks for the ideas, I just found ECE early chassis enterprises sells a trailing arm reinforcement kit for 129$. I" m a little relieved because I don't want to spend 400=700 for new bars Thanks for the replies, Jimmy

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

Replace them with good used. I had to do the same. They rust in the middle, and the rusting forces the two halves apart. An unfortunate consequence when the bed wood gives up and the moisture sits on top of the arms.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...ps18577ab1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...pse66a2a75.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...psb653773b.jpg

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

Bad thin is that the rust pushing them apart used to be trailing arm material. I think you will find if you sand blast them thy are very thin in places. I would look for a good set.
Jimmy

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

Jay thanks for sharing, mine aren't that bad, Jimmy

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

No prob, I had to ask the same question a couple years ago! One of our members kindly hooked me up with a nice used set.

Re: Help!= Rear control arms 66 P.U.
 

Wow those look just like the ones I pulled out today. I'm supposed to get another pair next weekend. Little brother hooked me up from one of his parts trucks.