Front coils

1965CS · Guru

RE: Front coils

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

In my paperwork I found that I bought both the springs and lower ball joints at Auto Value, but I really don't remember buying the ball joints.

I know when I took the car to Standen's they immediately called me and said the upper control arm bushings needed replacing, and sourced them. Unfortunately I neglected to tell them it's an Impala chassis, so they got ones for a Catalina and put them in, even though the guy said they didn't look quite right. He could have sourced Impala ones, which would have been a bit cheaper.

So, remember to tell them it's an Impala chassis.

1965CS · Guru

I was there when they were looking up the numbers and had to tell them to look under Impala.... They found the correct springs, control arm bushings and strut rod bushings, then did the work. For what ever reason, it took them 12 hrs but it's done.

The good part: It rides & handles better and is a tad higher in front

The bad part: Still doesn't steer properly

Allmost at the point now where I give up and am going to sell it....

cdnpont · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Did you have them dial in max Caster?

1965CS · Guru

Yea, the most they could get was just over 3 deg per side. Last attempt to fix this will be change the box.......

seventy2plus2 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

1965CS wrote:
The bad part: Still doesn't steer properly

What's it doing or not doing?

1965CS · Guru

seventy2plus2 wrote:

What's it doing or not doing?

The main issue is not returning to center after turning. Following this work, it has improved, but still not right. The other issue is a tendency to wander, particularly left. Tried different wheels, tires and rotations all with no change. I will try a different box next.

Checker · Addicted!

Checker wrote:

Hi,
not sure if i can help but i`mi using in my 1965 custom sport convertible these coil springs front and therear from www.classicperformance.com ..the Impala springs .. 1 1/2" drop ..

http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1955_1970_Fullsize_Cars/FCS638S.htm

FCS658A-D 1965-70 Front Coil Springs BB - 1-1/2" lowered,
RCS6187-D 1965-70 Rear Coil Springs 1-1/2" lowered,

the car looks much more better with this minimal drop and i have KYB gas in (before red Konis) and the car handles perfect on german highways. The coil springs are fitting at front not 100 % like the Stock ones but they are okay ..
The rear drop coils are fitting 100% like the stock ones .. very solid.

I adjusted camber and caster by my own .. so long till the car runs straight , steering is straight ... 20000 miles later the tires showing minimal more outer wear that inner side .. but now the tires are 6 years old!

Bjoern

Here`s a pic how the coils are looking in the car

-- Edited by Checker on Saturday 5th of May 2012 07:41:10 AM

-- Edited by Checker on Saturday 5th of May 2012 07:42:12 AM

1965CS · Guru

66 Beau wrote:
1965CS wrote:
The main issue is not returning to center after turning. Following this work, it has improved, but still not right. The other issue is a tendency to wander, particularly left. Tried different wheels, tires and rotations all with no change. I will try a different box next.
If you've already checked caster, then maybe toe-in?

Done all of this, and my own camber, toe and caster adjustments many times. In the midst of changing parts and other things, had 4 different shops do alignments.

I took out the 'new' steering box i bought and installed about 6 yrs ago and had it checked. Turns out it had a bent sector shaft and had minor pitting where the seal is.... obviously not new as claimed when I bought it. Ripped off again, anyway, had it rebuilt it and I re-installed it.....with all this work and countless thousands spent, it has improved but still not right, even tried a different rag joint.

I pulled the column again, seems the lower bearing may have been too tight so adjusted it a bit and that seemed to help, but with our Calgary summer here now (May 5, -1 and snow all day) haven't had a chance to really drive it.

Maybe in July it will be dry enough......

-- Edited by 1965CS on Saturday 5th of May 2012 09:54:00 PM

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

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66 Beau · Poncho Master!

1965CS wrote:
The main issue is not returning to center after turning. Following this work, it has improved, but still not right. The other issue is a tendency to wander, particularly left. Tried different wheels, tires and rotations all with no change. I will try a different box next.

If you've already checked caster, then maybe toe-in?