I am restoring a 67 Camaro Coupe. It is not an SS or Z28. I am now rebuilding the front end with new ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, etc........There are a number of restoration outlets to choose from. So, which is the best one for price and quality? Especially QUALITY. I am no longer picking just anyone because I got burned last year on quality. I purchased a rebuild kit for the leaf springs from Classic Industries who I thought was really reliable. As it turned out the bolts included in the kit that holds the front of the leaf springs in place were never hardened. In the process of torquing them done per specifications two of the bolt heads turned off way before the torque reached specification. I spent the next hour trying to get the broken portions out of the j-bolt. Please advise as to who sells the best quality kits.

Thank you.

 

Assuming your torque wrench is calibrated and correct, I assume the bolts in question were chinese. From my experience restoring other automobiles I found many of the parts suppliers sell the same parts. This is not always true and you will have to investigate for yourself. Talk to all the suppliers sales people and ask what country of origin the parts you are looking for were from. Many times they will avoid the answer or simply say "off shore" or import. It is very difficult getting U.S. made parts. With front end parts see if they are offering a "name" brand.

You could also contact several spring shops and give them the bolt dimensions. They may have a domestic supplier.

As to front end parts, you could do the same. Contact a front end or suspension specialist. See what they offer.

Good luck.

Bob