Wanted: Chevrolet Kingpin Shims? C8 ...need a few extra

[Alex van de Wetering]

Guys,

I am desperately looking for a few Kingpin shims to get my C8 front axle back together. It's all fitted with new bushes, bearings, pins and shims, but I need a few extra shims to get the correct "play" as mentioned in the manual. Does anyone have a few to spare?

Inside diameter is 24,3mm - .95"
Outside diameter is 44.4mm - 1.75"

C15's also use kingpin shims, but parts number seems different....no idea if the measurements are close or even the same.(?)

I am not having luck here at the shops selling carparts, hardware or farm tractor parts. Speedway motor in the US have them, but postage is killing for a few rings only.

Alex

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Alex,

It might be a long shot, but pre-'66 VW Beetles have king pin front suspensions. I once overhauled a set of stub axles and all the pins, bushes and shims are still available from VW part shops, also online. Not sure about the dimensions, but the VW front suspension uses one king pin and two link pins per hub. The link pins are quite sturdy and could be rougly the same size as the pins on your C8?

Ref. http://www.historicvws.abelgratis.co.../king_pins.htm

Hope this helps,
Hanno

[Alex van de Wetering]

Hi Hanno,

Thanks, I was just looking at VW t2 shims a few days ago...both kingpin shims and generator shims, but I couldn't find any measurements anywhere. The ratio between inner and outer diameter seems to be about the same on some of the VW beetle or transporter shims, but I just don't know what the actual size is. I looked for a VW parts expert here close to Schiphol so I could just drive over and compare the shims, but couldn't find any dealer close (?).

[Lynn Eades]

What about cutting them?

[Rob Dyba]

Good advice- go to your local engine parts supplier, and ask for a pack of shim steel. You usually get 5 sheets, 200mm x 200mm in various thickness and you can use gasket punches and sizzors. Perfect for gearbox shimming, kingpins, ball joints, steering boxes, p/steer pumps, steering racks. ... I make all my own shims when there is none to hand.....

Rob

[Alex van de Wetering]

Lynn, Rob,

I went with your suggestions; I cut a few shims from 0,4mm stainless and fitted the axle last weekend. All overshadowed when I cracked the master cylinder casting shortly thereafter.
Anyway, thanks and I will post some pics in a few days hopefully.

Alex