1965 front end alignment

[Dick W.]

Re: 1965 front end alignment

Carl, I have seen several that the frame had "sprung" causing the problems that the original poster was talking about. If the car has been autocrossed extensively you can almost bet that dimensions are off.

Mike, I mark the centerline of the tires by using a 2X4 with a little dohickey I made. Basically a little spring loaded point that marks the tire as I rotate it. I know that you could/can buy them but hey, for about 15 minutes of work......

[Bill H.]

Re: 1965 front end alignment

Mike, I mark the centerline of the tires by using a 2X4 with a little dohickey I made. Basically a little spring loaded point that marks the tire as I rotate it. I know that you could/can buy them but hey, for about 15 minutes of work......

I also feel the centerline method is the best for toe.
You can still by the scribes. I made one too but out of tubing.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 front end alignment

Joe,

I'm going to jump in with quick reply to springs used on 396 cars in '65 - if my memory is correct all 396 cars required the H.D. Sp. Perf. Susp. which calls for p/n 3832518 which is the dark green tag - std suspension called for 3851100 (2nd design) from '64-'67 the sp hi perf #3832518 was part of the sp. hi. perf package when it was ordered on small block cars thru 1971. This was know as F40 Sp. Hi. perf. Susp. Option.

These springs are different in height "unloaded" and coil diameter - where I'm going with this don't spend the money to install normal suspension springs under a big block car - it will sit too high.

As far as the cross member sagging - only if you hace a lotta rust or it's been hit - or someone had it on a frame machine at some time and pulled it out of spec.

My advise - run from this shop and find one that knows what they are doing. Check with other owners in your area and see who they use - aligning the front end of a 63-67 Corvette is no more difficult than any other full size Chevy from than era - Corvairs excluded

Chevy also offered a 2nd design sp hi perf spring for 66-67 427's with F40 p/n 3851100 (No tag) and a 3rd p/n 3888251 for 427's with C.A.C. (no Tag) which can be subsituted for the gree tag 3832518 part.

Enough for now

Maybe Wayne or someone else will correct me if I'm wrong which I'm notorious for !

Carl

Carl------


While the AIM strongly implies that all 1965 L-78 were equipped with F-40, I do not think this was actually the case in PRODUCTION. I believe that many/most original cars have been found with standard suspension.

Excessive camber due to frame distortion caused by long service is a very well known and common malady for Chevrolet cars, especially those with high mileage. Keep in mind that 63-82 Corvette front suspension is derived from and very similar to 1958-64 full size Chevrolet passenger car front suspension.

GM #3851100 is the standard suspension front spring used for most L64-67 Corvettes with small block as well as many big blocks. The GM #3851100 was never used with any HD suspension option.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1965 front end alignment

Uncle Dick....

Can you still use the "string method" if the wheel track (distance from C/L of left wheel to C/L of right wheel) is not the same for the rear and front? I think the rear's are on a slightly wider track.

Michael,

I read the difference in the width of the tire track front to rear and remember thinking this difference is where the tire tracks on the ground. The width difference is a result of the camber difference in the rear (-1*) verses 0* front.

At the ground this makes the rear wider than the front. I always set the toe last and make sure the string is pulled across the center of the rim.