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C2 front suspension upgrades

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  • Dan A.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • May 31, 1974
    • 1074

    #16
    Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

    Joe.........

    My apologies for my poorly worded post. It lacked specificity.

    I am at least vaguely aware of the increase of 4 wheel independent suspensions found in contemporary grocery getters, and the technological advances in alignment equipment. I think most know what happened in Mr. Pickens case. The tech in short may have been as you say gun shy. Or just honest about his/her ability. I'm relieved to learn the OP was not charged for work not completed maintaining some of the shops integrity. At least in my eyes. It is rarely safe to assume, but i will guess they offered to have a look. Having done so they decided against proceeding and risking a negative result do to a lack of expertise.

    I agree most shops are geared to get 'em in and get 'em out. If they have to spend too much time their profit margin is narrowed and time to get another one in and out is lost. Both reducing their bottom line. Sadly too many techs are parts replacers and lack the understanding of principles about how a system works in order to affect a proper repair.

    Respectfully I disagree with your application of the word obsolete. New parts are still available and there are shops, mostly specialized, that still rebuild Corvette trailing arms, differentials, 4 piston Corvette/Camaro calipers, steering boxes and so on. Just not on every corner. One would be ill advised to take their late model exotic even late model Corvette to a chain shop or local garage (with exception). Similarly taking ones mature specialty car for service to a chain or corner garage isn't likely to get them where they want to go. Even when these cars were more contemporary I shied away from most general repair shops favoring those I knew had specific experience. Most here are well aware of the attrition of technicians with knowledge of carburetors, ignition systems with points and so on.

    I will cite a Mid Atlantic Chapter member that found a General repair shop within reasonable distance whose owner is a long time mid year owner. They managed to perform the required suspension repair to his mid year. I think he was satisfied. They are out there. You have to do the research.

    I was merely trying to get a clear picture of Mr. Pickens alignment experience and direct him with suggestions which he may already know.

    But thanks for the insight anyways.

    Comment

    • Dan A.
      Extremely Frequent Poster
      • May 31, 1974
      • 1074

      #17
      Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

      Originally posted by John Pickens (38601)

      My 1965 convertible 327 factory A/C vehicle appears to have all original suspension. I am in the process of replacing front tires and shocks. I am not totally satisfied with how the front end handles. It has been aligned.

      What would be the best "bang for the buck" front suspension parts replacements? I have no real experience in that area or special tools. Should I be looking at replacing rubber parts with newer improved materials? Replace the sway bar with a new one? Have my local shop replace ball joints
      Apologies to the OP for taking your thread off topic.

      Not knowing the condition of the your car leaves things to assumption. I would not replace parts unless they need replacement. But if you do replace bushings rubber will serve you best unless you are a slalom or SCCA racer. Otherwise you will never stress urethane bushings enough to derive any benefit. You may not like the hard ride and eventual squeaks that come with them.

      Comment

      • Frank D.
        Expired
        • December 27, 2007
        • 2703

        #18
        Re: C2 front suspension upgrades

        The 76 year old gent that aligned my cars for years finally had to pack it in 6 months ago due to health issues, sadly the shop tore out the old, venerable VisuaLiner machine dating from the 60s. A 4-wheel alignment cost me $125...

        Now I'm prowling around for a shop with expertise to align the rear end after I've rebuilt all of it on the '63. I have a candidate and "interviewed" the alignment guy; he's young but knew what he was talking about and would love to get his hands on my car. We'll see. It helps to bring along your own rear end shims and new, long, cotter pins if your car uses them...

        And yeah, I put the shim packs in exactly how they came out then I did the shadtree string and level toe-in/camber alignment but would like verification that its correct, or even close.
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