Hi Folks; just a quickie-lifted the old girl up last weekend to check knocking from exhaust over bumps. The 'Lifetime' stainless system fitted last year follows the stock routing over the axle,but fouls the bolt holding the rear brake flexi on the axle on full upward axle deflection. Ok, so she is sitting low as the whole car is as-built and after 35 years everythings a bit saggy. New springs will sort hopefully the exhaust clearance & stop me feeling my arse is dragging the road (Ok I know that every car these days has to be 'in the weeds' to have any street cred but I'm an old fart!). Anyways,I started dosing everything up with penetrating oil to make the strip out and spring fit easier when the time comes. Only to find the N/S outer u-bolt sheared,and the gap between the broken bits gaping!. The nut & broken bit were still in-situ(making the breakage less obvious) Clearly only a matter of time before it finally bent open & the axle headed skywards......
Having rung round UK based U.S parts suppliers to no avail,I found a replacement bolt at my regular factors 50yards away! (for a fiver.....)
The bolt has clearly been snapped for ages,the spring leaves have expanded & the whole lot will not pull down tight,but its useable.
Just priced up springs/fitting kit/new lower spring plates (to replace the distorted originals) approx $300-not too bad until you add shipping at another $358!! (Ricks Camaros)
Just thought it worth mentioning & suggest other 2nd gen fans out there have a quick butchers at your nuts n bolts......
Cheers,Andrew
PS,some nice Camaros at Billing last week,including 2nd gens...
