C1 1960 Fan shroud and Drag Link interference

[Rick C.]

Some facts and a measurement...

I reconfimed my casting numbers just to be doubly sure... 3rd Arm Bracket is 3742688, which is the later version with the thicker bosses, and the Idler Arm is 3731801. So I seem to be good there.

Shims: I confirmed that the shims are in place between the suspension unit and the frame. HOWEVER, the thicker edge (approx 1/4") is towards the FRONT of the car. Is that correct, and could that make that much of a difference in the clearance?

I also measured the "rise" of the Idler Arm, hopefully to determine if it's bent. In the attached picture you'll see that I placed a steel rule at the flat/bottom of the Arm and then attempted to measure the rise/height of the arm. It's approx 5 1/8 inches. (I'm sure you'll get a chuckle at my attempted effort to indicate the measurement in the picture)

Whew... good thing this isn't my paying day job. I'd starve.

[Tom P.]

Re: Some facts and a measurement...

-----------Shims: I confirmed that the shims are in place between the suspension unit and the frame. HOWEVER, the thicker edge (approx 1/4") is towards the FRONT of the car. Is that correct, and could that make that much of a difference in the clearance?--------------------

That very well could be the entire source of your problem!!!!!!!!!
The thicker end of the shim should be to the rear. This tilts the front cross member slightly forward and increases caster (which was Zora's intent by adding these wedge shims)!

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 1960 Fan shroud and Drag Link interference

Bingo.....Here's the way they were designed to fit......Rich

[Rick C.]

Re: C1 1960 Fan shroud and Drag Link interference

Well... work is in process to correct the shim situation. I've ordered the repro shims and new bolts. Man, what a pain to do that type of work on an assembled car. I'll let everyone know if that solutions my problem.

[Rick C.]

Re: C1 1960 Fan shroud and Drag Link interference

Whew... what a pain. But the work is done. I found that the shims were installed between the cross member and the frame, but were in backward. I installed them correctly and I do now have clearance between the drag link and the lower fan shroud.

There is approx 1/2 inch clearance. Which is what I would have expected since the 1/4 inch shims were in backward. Although I must say that even 1/2 inch looks close. But I assume that's enough.

If any of you get the chance, look at the clearance between your drag link and the lower fan shroud at the point where the leading edge of the drag link is just beginning to move under the shroud. Let me know how much clearance you have. I suppose I'm just a nervous nellie since it had the interference before I made the shim correction.

Thanks to everyone for their help with this. It is greatly appreciated.

Rick