Do 64's sit "rear end" low?
#1
Do 64's sit "rear end" low?
My 64 vette recently completed a "frame off" restoration. As I look at the car from the side profile, it appears to sit slightly "rear end" low! Is this correct?
Next question: What is the correct leaf spring? Is it a nine (9) leaf,
2-1/4" wide spring that has a 9/16" bolt running through the anchor plate or should it be a seven (7) spring, 2-1/2" wide spring that uses a7/16" bolt running through the anchor plate?
My rear tires appear to "bow" or "camber" in slightly at the top. Is this correct?
Regarless of spring, is there a rear camber adjustment? If so, are "shims" used? What is/are the camber adjustments.
My 64 came from the factory without "heavy duty" suspension!
Can any member help me. I really want to get it right!!
Hopefully, I have used the correct "technical" language. If not, I apologize in advance--please no rude comments.
Thanks,
Rick
Next question: What is the correct leaf spring? Is it a nine (9) leaf,
2-1/4" wide spring that has a 9/16" bolt running through the anchor plate or should it be a seven (7) spring, 2-1/2" wide spring that uses a7/16" bolt running through the anchor plate?
My rear tires appear to "bow" or "camber" in slightly at the top. Is this correct?
Regarless of spring, is there a rear camber adjustment? If so, are "shims" used? What is/are the camber adjustments.
My 64 came from the factory without "heavy duty" suspension!
Can any member help me. I really want to get it right!!
Hopefully, I have used the correct "technical" language. If not, I apologize in advance--please no rude comments.
Thanks,
Rick
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,009
Received 6,943 Likes
on
4,782 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
your rear spring is tired and not as arched as it should. the car should sit level with a full tank of gas. you don't need to shim anything if your spring is fine. do a search on rear springs for replacement options
#3
Tired Transverse Spring
Right. That's what I thought also and then I spoke to a Corvette Restorer Guru who told me that 64 vettes were originally manufactured with a "tail low" rake to them. So, I'm trying to determine if there is any factual basis to his statement.
I'll take all the opinions I can get!
Rick
I'll take all the opinions I can get!
Rick
#4
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,009
Received 6,943 Likes
on
4,782 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Sounds like he doesn't want a job of replacing the rear spring
#8
Interesting its low....a lot of the "frame offs" you see, the car will sit too high due to the new springs.....I like the look of mine just fine....it was frame off restored 23 years ago.
#9
Le Mans Master
If the rear is sitting low then your spring is likely weak. However, if new springs were installed up front then that could also lend a hand in making the car appear "nose high". I believe the nine leaf springs is correct for standard suspension.
You can adjust the strut rods to keep the wheels/tires from leaning in at the top. Though there is a specific wheel angle that is specified in the AIM, I can't remember it. When I cleaned up the rear suspension on my '72 I adjusted the strut rods so that my rear wheels sat nearly vertical when the car was at rest. I know it's not correct. I just liked the way it looked.
Maybe you could post a picture of your car?
You can adjust the strut rods to keep the wheels/tires from leaning in at the top. Though there is a specific wheel angle that is specified in the AIM, I can't remember it. When I cleaned up the rear suspension on my '72 I adjusted the strut rods so that my rear wheels sat nearly vertical when the car was at rest. I know it's not correct. I just liked the way it looked.
Maybe you could post a picture of your car?
#11
Again, that's the type of comment that is not only unhelpful but rather inflammatory in nature!
How about some USEFUL SUGGESTIONS.
Ever hear the phrase, "hindsight is always 20-20?
How about some USEFUL SUGGESTIONS.
Ever hear the phrase, "hindsight is always 20-20?
#12
Safety Car
Right. That's what I thought also and then I spoke to a Corvette Restorer Guru who told me that 64 vettes were originally manufactured with a "tail low" rake to them. So, I'm trying to determine if there is any factual basis to his statement.
I'll take all the opinions I can get!
Rick
I'll take all the opinions I can get!
Rick
Bruce
#14
Race Director
Member Since: Mar 2009
Location: Canada's capital
Posts: 19,777
Received 4,583 Likes
on
2,157 Posts
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C1 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
There is supposed to be negative camber on the back wheels for handling, I think it's about a half a degree(?),and when you hit the gas they tend to squat, that's the nature of the beast. You can always adjust the riding height up with some washers under the nuts on the spring hanger bolts, until you get around to replacing/re-arching the rear spring. Do A LOT of reading before you start throwing money at it with so called experts.
#17
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,009
Received 6,943 Likes
on
4,782 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
There is supposed to be negative camber on the back wheels for handling, I think it's about a half a degree(?),and when you hit the gas they tend to squat, that's the nature of the beast. You can always adjust the riding height up with some washers under the nuts on the spring hanger bolts, until you get around to replacing/re-arching the rear spring. Do A LOT of reading before you start throwing money at it with so called experts.
#18
Safety Car
#19
Hey Bruce;
I asked for assistance not opinion!!
Please reread my question(s) and if you have something useful to add, please be my guest. I solicit help!!
I asked for assistance not opinion!!
Please reread my question(s) and if you have something useful to add, please be my guest. I solicit help!!
Last edited by rickcarson8500; 02-21-2013 at 08:04 PM. Reason: Wording
#20
Team Owner
Member Since: Feb 2003
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
Posts: 49,009
Received 6,943 Likes
on
4,782 Posts
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
one thing that was not bought up. is your frame clean and accident free?