Topic: Steering
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
How are the tie rod ends and the "rag" joint on the steering shaft? Make sure to get it aligned by a shop that will take the time to do the old Corvettes properly. Not a chain shop. Also how are all the bushings in the rear suspension?
TKO500 5 spd.
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975
Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.
Lifetime Member #26
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
.....especially that part about alignment. It's hard to find a shop that can/will do alignments on these old dogs, and do it right.Why? Well....first off, it's a pita to do for one, and most places now don't have any friggin idea HOW to do it unless it's a strut type suspension. You have to find an older established shop that has the equipment/shims, and someone that knows what the heck they're doing...which leaves out just about any chain store operation. I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! 
But...when he did do it, it was RIGHT. Make sure the tires are in good shape, too. A tire with a separating tread will cause the same problem.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Calvin,
All the above is great. When you have your Vette aligned, 'Positive Caster' and 'Toe-In" help to promote stable tracking. For general touring duty, I suggest you have your alignment specs set to the following:
In the front:
Caster: maxed out positive(+), but close to equal on both sides.
Camber: slightly negative; -0.1 to -0.5 degrees.
Toe: slightly toed in; 0.03 to 0.06.
In the rear:
Camber: slightly negative; -0.1 to -0.5 degrees.
Toe: slightly toed in; 0.03 to 0.06.
The rear is what presents the most challenges to alignment jocks. First off, to adjust the 'Toe', they probably won't have the shims in stock. You can buy a pack of stainless shims from the vendors listed on this forum. Of course, you have to be able to loosen the cross-bolt to get the old shims out.
Aftermarket tubular upper control arms will usually have provisions to get a lot more caster. Mine is set to about +5 degrees on both sides.
John
1973 BB 4-Speed Coupe Project Car
2009 Z06 Mostly Stock
Adams' Apple said: .....especially that part about alignment. It's hard to find a shop that can/will do alignments on these old dogs, and do it right.Why? Well....first off, it's a pita to do for one, and most places now don't have any friggin idea HOW to do it unless it's a strut type suspension. You have to find an older established shop that has the equipment/shims, and someone that knows what the heck they're doing...which leaves out just about any chain store operation. I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! But...when he did do it, it was RIGHT.
Make sure the tires are in good shape, too. A tire with a separating tread will cause the same problem.
.....especially that part about alignment. It's hard to find a shop that can/will do alignments on these old dogs, and do it right.Why? Well....first off, it's a pita to do for one, and most places now don't have any friggin idea HOW to do it unless it's a strut type suspension. You have to find an older established shop that has the equipment/shims, and someone that knows what the heck they're doing...which leaves out just about any chain store operation. I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! But...when he did do it, it was RIGHT. Make sure the tires are in good shape, too. A tire with a separating tread will cause the same problem.
Who is this alignment guy? I replaced a tie rod end and would like to get a fresh 4 wheel alignment.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
F4Gary said:
Who is this alignment guy? I replaced a tie rod end and would like to get a fresh 4 wheel alignment.
Adams' Apple said: I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them!
I know a guy that had an excellent Corvette shop here in Dallas, and even HE dint like doing them! Who is this alignment guy? I replaced a tie rod end and would like to get a fresh 4 wheel alignment.
Operative term is "HAD" a shop. Last time I saw him, he was workin for David at "The Corvette Shop" in Dallas...I'm not even sure he is still in bidness. Best place I know of that's not one of the high-end places is Dave and Chuck's place in Ft. Worth(south side). The friggin name of the place just slipped my mind.....
There's also a place in Hurst, "Mid Cities Classics" I've heard aboot, but know nothing about them other than the name.
NOW I remember! Automotive Performance Unlimited is the name of Chuck and Dave's shop.... It's off of 820, on Vickery street.... dang this gettin old!
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
If you don't mind blowing through a couple sets of tires, there's a good shop here in West Seneca. Manko's Auto Service. Sarge81 sent me to him and he did a great job on the alignment. Mine had a complete front end rebuild and rear trailing arms done before he got it.
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Lifetime Member #192
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)