I just picked up my frame and parts from the powder-coating place. They look pretty good. The rust pits look nice and shiny. It is clean and black; what else can you want. Does anyone sell a complete set of suspension bolts and nuts? My local Buick dealer did not have any of them. I just purchased bushing from my local autoparts store, they have a larger (thicker) metal sleeve with less rubber. I am assuming they are o.k. Also, who carries the correct springs for the Stage 1's? Can they cross reference the part number from the manual; or do we just go for the heavy duty spring set? GM did have the spring isolators. What about the shocks? The part store has Monroe (which I previously had on the car in the 80's); they are black in color. What color was the original shocks? Front and rear. Thanks, in advance, for your help. Len
Hey Len, Pick up a catalog from 'Ground Up'....they're a Chev resto source, located in NY. I saw them at Carlisle, and they have a VERY impressive selection of hardware (with correct head markings!). They do sell susp bolts separatly, and sheetmetal hw kits. Many other resto items...like repo shocks ( I think they were grey?) Website at www.ss396.com Online catalog is a pita, get a printed catalog. So what powdercoating did you end up using....as far as gloss percentage? I think 30% is correct, but I'm not sure....and was it polyester, epoxy, or urethane powder? Is there good coverage inside the frame rails? Hope you are happy with the results! Now comes the best part...putting it all together! Have fun!
I suggest www.espo.com for the springs . The shock were spiral (on the outside too) and they were grey. They are now being remade. Monroes are not the same shape. For spirals call Tommy at 847 987 3450.
Jim and Walt; Thanks for the info. I will check out the web sites; and give Tommy a call. Thanks, again. Len
GM P/N 9412430 will get you the suspension bolts, need 10. These are the correct length, taper in the center, with the point. The locknuts you can buy at any bolt house. Make sure to get the all steel style. 10 bolts will do both front lower arms, rear upper arms forward and aft, and rear lower arms aft. The lower forward arm bolts on our cars are special bolts, have not seen them anywhere new or repro..they have a larger head for support against the frame with the rally suspension. Probaby have to find two good ones if yours have issues and get them black oxide coated. later Tim
