Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

[Francis F.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Rich I'm looking at your clearance on the Alt. /rad hose..is it close? what is the clearance if I may ask ?
Francis

[Richard M.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Francis, Good eye. Yes it is close. About a inch or just under. It's not the stock belt. Due to the engine having the wrong alternator brackets before, I was a bit concerned too. I tested for clearance after running and the belt did not touch the hose or flutter at all near it. The photos are hard to see the clearance but it's adequate.

The stock belt is much too short in this bracket configuration. The upper brace was a welded piece made from 2 braces and the main brace attaches directly to the exhaust manifold like the C1's. I reused the longer replacement belt that was on the engine. At some future time the brackets may be changed to make it more original appearing.

Rich
p.s. I moved the old frame the other day and noticed it cracked at the left kickup at the forward weld. More photos HERE.

[Joe R.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Hi Rich,

Ouch!!! That frame is pretty rotten!!! Nice job on the restoration!!!!

Joe

[Richard M.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Hi Rich,

Ouch!!! That frame is pretty rotten!!! Nice job on the restoration!!!!

Joe

Thanks Joe. Yes the frame spent one night out it the rain and it got even worse. Scary.

Rich

[Bob W.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Richard In post #37 you talk about cutting half a coil off each side of the Eaton spring. My question is (a) why off each side (b) how much did it lower the car at the fender lip (c) did you use a cutoff wheel (d) do you think it changed the spring rate? I have a 63 coupe I started years ago and I think I have 327 with a\c springs in it. I think it is going to be a little high. When I put these springs in I planed on using 69 rally wheels with G70S. So I needed the height.

Bob

[Richard M.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Richard In post #37 you talk about cutting half a coil off each side of the Eaton spring. My question is (a) why off each side (b) how much did it lower the car at the fender lip (c) did you use a cutoff wheel (d) do you think it changed the spring rate? I have a 63 coupe I started years ago and I think I have 327 with a\c springs in it. I think it is going to be a little high. When I put these springs in I planed on using 69 rally wheels with G70S. So I needed the height.

Bob

Bob,

a) I researched before cutting and the consensus was to cut from each end to maintain the structure of the progressive spring. I suppose not necessary with a constant wound coil.

b) IIRC, it lowered the body at the wheel lips about a 1 1/4" also, but since the body to frame heights can vary due to shim differences and panel replacement anomalies, it's best to make all reference measurements at the chassis axis points called out in the AIM.

c) Yes, my metal cutting disc cut through easily.

d) I have no idea, but likely a unnoticeable slight difference.

I don't believe there was a small block "A/C" coil spring. Only the bigblock cars with A/C had a unique spring. IIRC the 63 used a unique one year only spring configuration, and I don't think it was progressive.

Try to get a wire diameter and coil count of your existing springs to see what you have and compare to the AMA specs. You may be okay. I'd wait, finish the car, get the weight to spec and then decide if you need to modify anything.

The wider 69 rally wheels are a bit wide right? 8"? I'd test using a borrowed old tire to make sure G70's will clear all front turning and bounce conditions and rear trailing arm park brake brackets before committing to a quantity 5 tire purchase.

If your front coil spring get removed for adjustments, I'd reconnect the spindle knuckle to the ball joint, mount the test tire/wheel, and simulate the action of the assembly in the wheel well and lips by lifting and turning to be sure.

Rich

[Bob W.]

Re: Another Bad Frame - 1966 Chassis Restoration

Richard Thank you for your reply. I put these springs in around 1987,At that tine I had the larger wheel and tires on the car. I now plan on 7" Torq Thrust wheel. After looking at my 1975 GM parts book the springs may for BB with air. I was given the part # by another c2 owner. Also if you look at LIC online and click view details it gives coil count, rate and free length. After the car is finished I will see what to do cut or new.

Thanks again Bob