1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
I purchased a 1963 restored 1963 split window, since owning, I noticed that the front left body at the center of the wheel is 2 inches higher than the right side, I got the spec book for the proper body height for front and rear body at center of the wheels, the other 3 are right on, it is only the front left that is incorrect. I inspected the underside, control arms, etc. but cant find anything visual. Before I replace the front springs, can anyone suggest or recommend what I should look for? I don't know if the new springs where matched springs or if the left was different when restored.
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
It could just be the springs but it could be a result of many other items. How many shims are on the left side (LH) compared to the right side (RH)?, check the entire side.
Does the LH door align properly, if yes and there are many more shims on the LH than RH then they were added to align the body. Take lots of measurements, from the bottom of the splash shield to the floor, same with the rocker, fender and floor pan. If the floor pan is the same distance from the floor on the RH side and LH side look for LF fender repairs.
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
What "spec book" is that? GM has no specification for height of the fender opening from the ground or any other reference point. The D and Z dimensions in the AIM and CSM are the only height dimensions specified and are independent of tire size and body dimension tolerance.
If D and Z are reasonably within spec then the problem is probably body tolerance, like an improperly aligned or out of tolerance replacement fender.
Check the springs by measuring wire diameter, spring OD, number of coils and coil spacing. Spring dimension details are in the AMA specs that you can download from the GM Heritage Web site.
DukeComment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Lots of times the spring itself is not installed in the spring tower correctly. Will make it high on that side. The spring should have a pronounced outward bow. If it is not and is straight, it is installed wrong.Comment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
I agree with Wayne 100%. Seen it before several times.Comment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Years ago in San Diego I knew a 61 like that. It had a front end incident, and the body shop repaired it with the tire flat. When they inflated it, that side was 2" high. Very sophisticated work they did!Comment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
I would start by setting the car and frame on a level surface with jack stands. This will tell you if the problem is in the body and frame or in the suspension. Once you get that figured out you can look into the suspension or the body/frame. If the rear spring is an issue it could affect the front so a careful inspection of the entire suspension is needed.Comment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
I'm going to resurrect this thread because I have a similar problem, but not quite as sever as Kenneth had. I have a 64 convertible with standard suspension. I am quite confident that the suspension components are original - including the coil springs. I measured the height from the floor to the fender lip through the center-line of the front wheels. Left side measured 26 and 15/16ths, right side is 26 1/2 inches. Clearly not that much difference but noticeable if you know what to look for. I'm having a lot of suspension work done in the near future - all new parts but not springs. My question is should this half inch difference be something I should be concerned about - should it be corrected with new coil springs?
I researched some threads on C2 coil springs. A few comments confirm what I have found in searching for replacement springs that will not alter the ride height - every major supplier lists spring specs different than OEM or doesn't list specs at all. I do not want to raise the front ride height.
Also, several very frequent posters suggested to check to see if the "D" and "Z" dimension are in tolerance with the shop manual. What are the D & Z dimensions- I have a GM shop manual and there is no mention of these dimensions.EdComment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Measuring the fender lip is not an exact science. The factory often miss placed the fender. A little up on one side and a little down on the other and there could be a significant difference. A better measurement would be the front and rear style line side side. I prefer to get it down to a quarter of an inch, but I prefer it to be high on the drivers side if different.Comment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Hi Ed - I took my Vett to a suspension/race car expert. He removed the 2 front coil springs and did a compression check on each, there was a major difference between both (you need use a mechanic that has a spring compression checker, so that both springs have the same compression, most manufactures do not pair the springs as a kit, they are made all over). I purchased my front springs from Corvette Central,it was recommended to use their "Grounding Touring Springs" / 460 lbs / part number 572053. The new springs were checked and they both were in within 1 - 2 lb difference. Also, the mechanic needs to check the stabilizer bar to make sure it is adjusted correctly. After the installation of the new springs there was still a difference of 1/2 inch, not perfect but within the +/- 1/2" tolerance.
The Corvette Assembly Instruction Manual (I bought from Corvette Central) shows the front and rear suspension geometry. The "Z" dimension is for the FRONT - it is the distance from the center line of lower control arm shaft to the lowest point of the steering knuckle - should be 2.35 " +/- .25" tolerance. the "D" dimension is for the REAR - it is the distance from the center line of the lower control arm in board to the center line of the outboard pivot (need to look at the diagram to better understand) - should be 3.55 ". Also, these measurements are based on CURB weight full tank of gas and correct tire pressure.
Hope this helps.
KenComment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Ken,
I know you are taking this a bite at a time, but Bob had the right idea about leveling the frame on a flat surface before trying to figure anything out.
I had a 65 years ago that had a similar problem and we only figured out what was wrong with it after leveling the frame.
It turned out that the passenger side fender was located in the wrong place. Luckily, it was just a matter of heating up the fender along the door opening and breaking that joint loose and readjusting a few things. We did have a little problem at the top of the fender close to the windshield. But it turned out to be manageable.
All in all it went very well. We were prepping the car for paint during all of this. This, of course, made it doable. If we were not going to prep the car for paint, we could lower the front of the fender just a bit, but it put all that fiberglass in tension. Which was very bad for it Just food for thought. I am not sure when the mistake was made. The fender was the original fender and it did not look obvious that it had been tampered with.
MonteComment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Thanks to all that have responded - the knowledge you all possess just blows me away. Having considered all your comments and advice I have come to the conclusion that I may be concerned about something that a) isn't broke and b) would not be easily corrected. Kenneth indicated that the difference between the left and right side is a half inch, i.e., within the acceptable variance (if I understood him correctly). The difference between my left and right side is just under a half inch and the car is completely assembled, painted etc. Definitely not in a state where I think I could begin to "adjust" body parts without doing more damage than good. See the attached pics of my car, left and right views. The difference is not noticeable. I'm thinking I really don't have a problem and it is not worth the effort to fix something that essentially is not (completely) broken64 Vette 8.JPG64 Vette 9.JPG.EdComment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
"If the rear spring is an issue it could affect the front so a careful inspection of the entire suspension is needed. " Don't overlook this advice from Bob.Comment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Joe,
Regarding your comments about the rear and Bob's comments - will do all. The car is going into a shop for major front and rear suspension refurbishing this week. Technicians will be taking before and after measurements all around to assess effectiveness of repairs and ensure specification compliance. I've only owned this car a little more than a month. It is a very nice, numbers matching, no hit, restored driver - trying to move towards Top Flight status. Not sure if I will ever get there but I want to consistently move in that direction so it is easier for the next owner. Thanks again to all.EdComment
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Re: 1963 corvette front left body 2 inches higher than right front
Ed,
I don't think there is a problem, be careful what anyone does to your beautiful car.Comment
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