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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.
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land New Oxford Pa
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
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.
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.
1965 Coupe - Six NCRS Top Flights, AACA Senior/Preservation Awards, VCCA 1st Senior
2008 White/Red Convertible
1941 Buick Special Sport Coupe - AACA Senior 1980
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Special Two Door Sedan - VCCA 1st Junior Award
1963 Avanti Coupe - 11 AACA Preservation Awards
2001 Harley-Davidson SuperGlide
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.
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.
Location: The Great White North. Mellowing with age like fine wine!
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.
Location: Sitting in his Nowhere land New Oxford Pa
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kerrmudgeon
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.
to me its a cut and dry answer. the rear spring dictates the rear ride height. if the spring is wore out the car will sag. if it is arch to much it will sit too high. if it is correct then it will sit even and ride nice. you can only adjust the rear spring so much. there is tolerances allowed for the rear spring bolt. that is out lined in the AIM and in the service manual.
Corvette Store
Do 64's sit "rear end" low?
Bruce
I will not comment on your low blow educated remark to me.
