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I just picked up my first C1 (1962). I’ve had a couple of C2s, currently a 65 roadster.
The 62 is NOM with a 69 350, 4 speed.
I’d like to make the car more driveable while staying within a budget (i.e. not replacing the chassis). I just want to have an acceptable driver.
The car appears to have the original steering and suspension, although the PO was going for a gasser look and the car sits a bit high. I’m not sure yet how it was raised.
The car does not steer / handle very well. I realize the C1 steering and front suspension technology is old school and wonder what options would give me the best bang for my buck?
I just picked up my first C1 (1962). I’ve had a couple of C2s, currently a 65 roadster.
The 62 is NOM with a 69 350, 4 speed.
I’d like to make the car more driveable while staying within a budget (i.e. not replacing the chassis). I just want to have an acceptable driver.
The car appears to have the original steering and suspension, although the PO was going for a gasser look and the car sits a bit high. I’m not sure yet how it was raised.
The car does not steer / handle very well. I realize the C1 steering and front suspension technology is old school and wonder what options would give me the best bang for my buck?
Congratulations on your newest acquisition. I see you have a lift. Some nice, detailed pictures of the front suspension will help identify what has been done to the front end.
A new C1 rides, handles, and stops like a brick compared to anything contemporary. It's what makes them what they are. That said I have yet to see a C1 that didn't need some front end parts, not that the owner didn't want it fixed but couldn't find anyone who knew how (or would admit they knew) how to fix them. The #1 best thing I ever did to mine to make it lightyears more enjoyable to drive was to add electric power steering.
Congratulations on your newest acquisition. I see you have a lift. Some nice, detailed pictures of the front suspension will help identify what has been done to the front end.
Thanks. I’ll post some detailed pictures in a couple of hours.
min the meantime, here’s a short video the PO took. Please excuse the filthy undercarriage. This will be addressed!
A new C1 rides, handles, and stops like a brick compared to anything contemporary. It's what makes them what they are. That said I have yet to see a C1 that didn't need some front end parts, not that the owner didn't want it fixed but couldn't find anyone who knew how (or would admit they knew) how to fix them. The #1 best thing I ever did to mine to make it lightyears more enjoyable to drive was to add electric power steering.
Those cars were driving everywhere as commuter cars when new. Put a good (not cheap) set of radials on it and see how it drives. Fix any existing suspension issues. I
The best things you can do to improve handlings are complete front end rebuild with Moog rubber components, keeping the entire front end greased regularly, don’t overlook the 3rd arm as there can be a lot of play there, radial tires, at least two shims per side between the frame so you can get more alignment adjustment, (you will definitely need this for the power steering) alignment, electric power steering.
This is all you can do without replacing the entire front suspension which is VERY expensive. I would also suggest replacing the steering wheel with a 15” and adding the factory type quick steering adapter AFTER you add the power steering as it gives you more entry/exist room and driving comfort especially during spirited driving.
Congratulations on your newest acquisition. I see you have a lift. Some nice, detailed pictures of the front suspension will help identify what has been done to the front end.
Here are some photos.
The car has BF Goodrich Silvertown Radials -
P225 70R15 on front and P255 70R15 on rear.
.
Moog rubber components????
Other than some grease seals, there is no rubber in the front end.
You will want to have competent alignment shop check play in the kingpins, and on the upper and lower inner control arm shafts and bushings. Thats where Moog steel bushings and cross shafts come in, if you c an find original Moog parts, if they are sloppy and need replacing. Upper and lower out shafts/bushings are also important, but don't create as much OMG steering issues if they are worn.
My '61 used to swap lanes unexpectedly until i rebuilt the front end three decades ago. Now, it steers and handles pretty nicely.
I just picked up my first C1 (1962). I’ve had a couple of C2s, currently a 65 roadster.
The 62 is NOM with a 69 350, 4 speed.
I’d like to make the car more driveable while staying within a budget (i.e. not replacing the chassis). I just want to have an acceptable driver.
The car appears to have the original steering and suspension, although the PO was going for a gasser look and the car sits a bit high. I’m not sure yet how it was raised. The car does not steer / handle very well. I realize the C1 steering and front suspension technology is old school and wonder what options would give me the best bang for my buck?
It would help if you could quantify what this means. Does it wander when going down the road? Is there a lot of slop in the steering? Is the steering effort greater than what you expected? Are you trying to corner at the limits of tire adhesion??????
The key thing to know is that if everything in the front suspension is in good condition, a C1 tracks well, has relatively easy steering, and has no particular vices.
I've driven two C1 Vettes from the right coast to the left coast without issue. I'd do it again in a heartbeat as long as the steering and suspension was in good shape.
Moog rubber components????
Other than some grease seals, there is no rubber in the front end.
You will want to have competent alignment shop check play in the kingpins, and on the upper and lower control shafts and bushings. Thats where Moog steel bushings and cross shafts come in, if you c an find original Moog parts, if they are sloppy and need replacing. Upper and lower out shafts/bushings are also important, but don't create as much OMG steering issues if they are worn.
My '61 used to swap lanes unexpectedly until i rebuilt the front end three decades ago. Now, it steers and handles pretty nicely.
Doug
Your right about the Moog rubber parts. Having recently had both a C1 and midyears I often get mixed up.
It would help if you could quantify what this means. Does it wander when going down the road? Is there a lot of slop in the steering? Is the steering effort greater than what you expected? Are you trying to corner at the limits of tire adhesion??????
The key thing to know is that if everything in the front suspension is in good condition, a C1 tracks well, has relatively easy steering, and has no particular vices.
I've driven two C1 Vettes from the right coast to the left coast without issue. I'd do it again in a heartbeat as long as the steering and suspension was in good shape.
As AZDoug said “swap lanes unexpectedly”.
As I’m heading straight down the road the steering almost seems to “knuckle” from side to side.
>I've driven two C1 Vettes from the right coast to the left coast without issue. <
You're a better man than me. My *** can only handle C1 seats for about 2 hrs max at one time.
I’m assuming the front end is worn. If rebuilt and greased properly can I expect a driveable car or are there other mods required?
We don’t do any aggressive driving. This is a car we would like to feel confident in driving around town or on highway.
I’m assuming the front end is worn. If rebuilt and greased properly can I expect a driveable car or are there other mods required?
We don’t do any aggressive driving. This is a car we would like to feel confident in driving around town or on highway.
If everything is tight and the steering box bearings are OK there should be no issue with going down the road straight particularly with radials. Radials will generally make a big improvement over the bias ply tires they originally came with because the sidewalls tend to absorb bumps a bit better and they sit "flatter" putting more rubber on the road and don't "dart" when crossing a seam in the pavement. They do, however (IMO) increase the steering effort a bit. I only have one shim in the suspension assembly (was going to put 2 in but decided it was to much of a PIA with the car fully assembled) and it tracks fine.
05-13-2022, 11:49 AM
Looking for advice on my first C1
