Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

[Jim L.]

Over on CF, it is coming to light that some early '60 models may not have been made with the rear anti-roll bars. The cars being reported as having been so constructed seem to all be below VIN 100 (not that 100 is necessarily the cut off).

This is news to me.

So, what's the story on early '60s? Were some made without the rear bars? Why? And if so, when were the rear bars introduced?

Expiring minds want to know....

Jim

[Donald H.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

Probably not much help to you, but I had a November 59 build 60 (Vin 13xx) and it had the rear stabilizer bar. But it had a few other hold overs from 59 that were changed later in production.

Don

[Jim L.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

Don, thanks for replying. I'm just short of astonished that no one else has responded.

OK, let's try this: Would someone who has a current '58 - '60 judging manual, please, check it and see if there is any mention of the rear anti-roll bar not having been installed on some early '60 models?

TIA,

Jim

[Jim D.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

The Judging Guide simply states that "1960 models used a rear stabilizer bar which is painted with a low grade gloss black paint and is bolted at the bottom of each axle/spring mounting plate".

[Donald H.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

The 1958-60 Corvette Restoration Handbook doesn't add anything either. Here is what that document has to say:

"A rear sway bar was added to the Corvette in 1960, and the front sway bar was made a larger diameter. With the heavier duty front sway bar, the traction bars, and the addition of the rear sway bar, all as standard equipment, Duntov saw no need to offer a separate heavy-duty suspension option. "


Don

[Jim L.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

Jim and Don, thanks to both of you for checking this for me (My JG is at least 25 years old). I've always been of the impression that all '60 Vettes came with the rear bar. Yet there have been a couple of people on CF who have indicated that real early '60s did not. That left me not knowing what to believe.

Regards,
Jim

[Jim D.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

Also Jim, Noland Adams book states that "Beginning with the start of 1960 Corvette production a rear anti-roll bar, part number 3775443 was added to the rear suspension". I've never heard of, seen or read about a 1960 without the bar. I'd be very skeptical of someone making that claim, especially on the CF.

[Jim L.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

. I've never heard of, seen or read about a 1960 without the bar. I'd be very skeptical of someone making that claim, especially on the CF.

I hear you. And I don't disagree.

For the sheer entertainment value, here is the CF thread:

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c1-and-c2-corvettes/3669680-what-year-is-this-c1.html

See, in particular, postings #19 and #26

Jim

[Pat H.]

Re: Rear anti-roll bars on early '60 Vettes?

A friend of my has VIN 200 and it has a rear sway bar.