Just purchased a 1966 Tempest Custom Convertible last month. It has a 250 OHC 6 4BBL. Didn't need it, but I installed new power brake conversion kit with 2" drop spindles, polyurethane bushings, upper lower ball joints, coils and shocks. Went to take car for first test drive, fender chewed up my front driver side tire when I made the turn out of my driveway (on a slope). It came with BF Goodrich 215/70R15 TA's on Rally II's 15x8s. Rechecked all torques. Having big problems with camber. Changes everytime I make an adjustment. Have 6 shims in and still not straight. Problems with Toe in and out. Changes everytime I make an adjustment as well. Ordered stock spindle and figure I will have to go back to stock height to fit current tires. My intention was to put American Racing Vintage T71R Wheels with Diamond Back Nitto 555 Redlines 235/45R17 in front and 275/40R17 in rear. Don't know if once I get the new tires and rims ($2500 will have to wait a bit) I can go back to 2" drop spindles. My question is is this a frame issue? tire size issue? alignment issue? (haven't gotten it professionally aligned yet, have to get it to point I can drive it there). Any help would be appreciated. Getting very frustrated! Car is in amazing shape and was working fine before the upgrades.
Can't help but am also curious as to the "fix". (In the meantime, would love to see pictures of the car!) Good luck.
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
a lot of the aftermarket disc brake kits move the wheel out 1/2" first off, and if your springs are a drop spring , that will move the wheel out even more.
Get it in for an alignment, with a shop that understands old cars..!! once your geometry is established and correct, THEN measure your back and front space with the wheels off and the suspension loaded, THEN order the correct T71R ( excellent choice,,,I already have a set ) with correct back spacing. I'm pretty sure that you will not get away with an 8" rim up front , unless it is the correct back spacing for your application.
MEASURE>>>MEASURE>>>>>MEASURE !!
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later...rog
AADD supporting member !!
I'm a collector...not a builder!!Located in sunny central Saskatchewan at the lakehead!
Thanks for the advice. I do not have drop springs. I am trying to find a local company that knows alignments on old cars and will get it done as soon as I can. I think I may have sourced one out. Right now I am just trying to get it good enough to drive there. Will keep you posted,
This is the only pic I have at the moment that shows it as it was when I bought it. Will update once it is back together.
Welcome! glad you found us.... A 2inch drop usually affects car by more than 2 inches.. just a suggestion.. why not leave it up? I don't think GM ever offered them dropped 2-4 inchs just wondering
"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Thanks for the info. So what was your fix for this? I threw on my rear's which are 255/70R15's while it is still lowered and I can turn lock to lock without any issues but when I put weight on it the fender screw touches. I have not got the alignment done yet because I am waiting to decide on rims and tires and whether to put a stock spindle in or leave the drop spindle in. I think I can put on 225/45R17's in front and 255/45R17's and still keep the drop spindles. I do have standard spindles on the way just in case.
Car is starting to get there. We just installed the tires and rims which I think look fantastic. I had to trim the rear passanger wheel well which had a bit of "extra" metal that was getting close to the tire. The front tires have better clearance than the old TA's. Just a little smaller. I have a little flex in the rear control arms that I will deal with soon. Maybe tubular upper and lower control arms but what ever I do I will do soon.
Engine compartment is getting there along with some other detailing like getting the grill blacked out. Still looking for the correct PONTIAC emblem for the grill. Any leads would be appreciated.
