1967 Corvette Coupe

[Bruce A.]

I am restoring (frame off) my 1967 corvette coupe. The frame is not the original but it has been qualified to be structurally and dimensionally correct. After having a professional alignment done "verified" by my own crude measuring system of target wires and tape measures, I would have to agree that the alignment is correct.
My concern is that upon closer inspection of the alignment, I find that there are no shims at all on the outboard side of the left rear trailing arm. If the alignment is correct, should I be concerned. The frame/pocket dimensions are very close side to side and are within 1/32" and the bolts appear to support the correctness of the frame since the exposed length of the bolts when installed and torqued are identical.
Please advise.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

Bruce, was your car fully assembled when alignment was done? your are talking frame off so I am not sure if you talking before or after alignment.

[Bruce A.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

The car was fully assembled less carpet and fuel and aligned under those conditions.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

Bruce, I would think as long as the spec, s are with in the targeted measurements you should be okay. May be down the road in a few thousand miles have everything rechecked with gas tank at least 1/2 to 3/4 full. sometimes as the car is driven everything tends to settle. and recheck some of the torque spec.s front and rear suspension.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

I am restoring (frame off) my 1967 corvette coupe. The frame is not the original but it has been qualified to be structurally and dimensionally correct. ............

Bruce, the frame is from another car? If so was it wrecked? I suggest the front of the frame is pushed in towards the center on that on side. Possibly still within spec but at the short end. I would not be satisfied with the alignment at it's limit on that side, not normal. It may make any future alignment unobtainable. If for nothing else than flight judging it would most likely get a deduct as it is not typical in shim count one would expect to see.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

Gene, There is a lot more to consider also than the frame, repro rear spring, a sagging rear spring, trailing arm(s) that maybe less than perfect, a alignment less than perfect, alignment machine calibration. etc. a corvette alignment from the factory to me could have been this way. I think rear toe adjustment on most corvettes where a one time shim installment at the factory. and no time to recheck. Now that the car is reassy.'d it is what it is. logic is to drive and settle everything and have the alignment re-check later.

[Bruce A.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

Thanks for all of the input. As far as I know, the frame was not damaged. Would my "grief"!be alleviated if I could get a 1/16" shim positioned at the location in question?

[Gene M.]

Re: 1967 Corvette Coupe

Gene, There is a lot more to consider also than the frame, repro rear spring, a sagging rear spring, trailing arm(s) that maybe less than perfect, a alignment less than perfect, alignment machine calibration. etc. a corvette alignment from the factory to me could have been this way. I think rear toe adjustment on most corvettes where a one time shim installment at the factory. and no time to recheck. Now that the car is reassy.'d it is what it is. logic is to drive and settle everything and have the alignment re-check later.

The same situation is still there. No latitude to bring anything in alignment on any subsequent trips to the alignment shop. Toe in the rear is critical for tracking. Most other wear issues in the rear suspension are affectively creating excessive negative camber. This also contributes to more toe in. My opinion remains that the frame is pushed in a bit.