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Topic: Allignment Questions

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/2/07 2:09pm Message 1 of 7
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp

Hi Guy's.  I brought  my 71 in for alignment today and the guy told me he can't get the caster (to negative) or the camber right (negative). I know the upper control arms bushings are worn, but he says replacing them may not give any more adjustment. He can't put in anymore shims and all are out on the other side. Have you guy's had any experience with this? He said there might be an adjustable arm shaft available. I this possiable? Help me if you can. Thanks, Terry




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Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/3/07 6:35am Message 2 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
There are off-set upper arm shafts out there...don't remember who has them, tho.
In my experience, if the alignment will not work out with normal shimming, then there has always been some sort of frame damage. This is assuming the control arms are on the correct side to start with, of course...it can happen... And assuming the alignment equipment is calibrated correctly...and the guy knows what he's doing.


Joel Adams
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Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/3/07 6:56pm Message 3 of 7
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North Charleston, SC - USA
Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176
Vette(s): 1975 L48 AT AC T-top
I agree with Joel on all points. If the controls arms are correct and in the proper position then the geometry should allow for proper alignment. In every case that I have seen where the geometry won't set up, there has been frame damage.
 
Scott



Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/3/07 7:02pm Message 4 of 7
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
Thanks guy's. I don't know how I would have frame damage. i did break a spindle and had to have it fixed out of town. They put a used spindle on it. You think the spindle could be bent causing this problem? I think I'm going to replace the control bushings and get another opinion on allignment.


Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/3/07 7:59pm Message 5 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The spindle would effect only one side, but it is for sure a bent spindle would throw off that side.
I would definitely go ahead and replace the bushings, and then perhaps try a different shop for alignment.
The lower control arm bushings will effect the alignment, also, so be sure to check them out too, not just the uppers.


Joel Adams
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             NCRS

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Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/4/07 7:11am Message 6 of 7
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
Thanks Bro. You always come through. The uppers are definitely bad. The lowers not as bad, but I will probably do them too. I need to start someplace, and that's obviously a problem. I will take your advise on getting another shops opinion when I'm done.


Allignment Questions

Posted: 8/7/07 5:56pm Message 7 of 7
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
I agre with those who say you must have frame damage, unless the bushings are just that worn.  I would first go to a frame repair shop and have it checked, then rebuild the front end.

Corvette Specialties sells a complete front end rebuild kit with all American made parts for $289.  I would not use urethane unless you race the car.  763-784-8577.


in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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