Question on the ride height of my 69 sb coupe

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I've just completed the restoration of my 69 and I sent it to the alignment shop to be aligned and just spoke to them and they said they can't align the front end because the ride height is off. He says the ride height at the front is 27" and the specs call for 29". This shop is not a corvette shop it's just a local shop that I thought would be easy to have them do it since they're close and I didn't want to travel really far just for an alignment. I think the ride height looks good but that's what he says. I did notice that at some times when the wheel is cut all the way that the tires sometime rub but I thought that might be the aftermarket radials I have on it or that it was because the tires aren't aligned. During the restoration I restored the front and rear springs but didn't replace them. What are my options? Of course all sorts of modified cars (not to mention trucks) that have been raised and lowered, have bigger tires etc can and have been aligned so I'm not sure what the problem is. Any thoughts on what my options are?

Mike

[Mark F.]

Re: Question on the ride height of my 69 sb coupe

Mike,

Maybe this is an obvious response, but your AIM should have "Front Trim Heights"
My '67 AIM has them on UPC 3 Sheet A6 - dunno where they'd be for your '69

These are height alignment spec dimensions for the suspension (not toe, camber, caster, etc.) - not ground to fender height measurements

Your chassis manual may also have more dimensions or guidance...
maybe worth a look?

[Michael L.]

Re: Question on the ride height of my 69 sb coupe

Yes I've looked at those dimensions. What I need to do is speak to the technician to see what measurement he was referring to. It sounded to me like he was talking about bumper height or something because he mentioned the 27" vs 29" disparity in the height. I think I'll try and find a shop that has more experience with corvettes.

Mike

[Stephen L.]

Re: Question on the ride height of my 69 sb coupe

By using the ride height procedure and dimensions as shown in the AIM, you eliminate any discrepancies in tire size, body mount problems, incorrect fiberglass installation, incorrect bumper installation, bent frame, etc.