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Do 64's sit "rear end" low?

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Old 02-21-2013, 08:09 PM
  #21  
StingU2
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Originally Posted by rickcarson8500
Right. That's what I thought also and then I spoke to a Corvette Restorer Guru who told me that 64 vettes were originally manufactured with a "tail low" rake to them. So, I'm trying to determine if there is any factual basis to his statement.

I'll take all the opinions I can get!

Rick
Hey Rick what's this?
Old 02-21-2013, 08:21 PM
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Jeff Garner
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Do you have a picture to share so we can offer better opinions/ideas? Is your nose high? What are your floor to fender lip measurements for all 4 fenders?
Old 02-21-2013, 08:29 PM
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dkleather
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A nine leaf spring that will put your car to the correct height is the Eaton Spring made in Detroit. I just picked one up when I went to the Detroit Auto Show. Many vendors' springs that are offered are made in China and vary in the final ride height. I have a two year old Chinese spring from a well known vendor I'm replacing. Should be worth about ten bucks in scrap value.
The bolt that holds each strut arm to the inner center bracket is a cam type bolt. Loosening that bolt and turning it will pull your camber + or -.
Dave

Last edited by dkleather; 02-21-2013 at 08:35 PM.
Old 02-21-2013, 08:32 PM
  #24  
JohnZ
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Originally Posted by rickcarson8500
My 64 vette recently completed a "frame off" restoration. As I look at the car from the side profile, it appears to sit slightly "rear end" low! Is this correct?

Next question: What is the correct leaf spring? Is it a nine (9) leaf,
2-1/4" wide spring that has a 9/16" bolt running through the anchor plate or should it be a seven (7) spring, 2-1/2" wide spring that uses a7/16" bolt running through the anchor plate?

My rear tires appear to "bow" or "camber" in slightly at the top. Is this correct?

Regarless of spring, is there a rear camber adjustment? If so, are "shims" used? What is/are the camber adjustments.

My 64 came from the factory without "heavy duty" suspension!

Can any member help me. I really want to get it right!!

Hopefully, I have used the correct "technical" language. If not, I apologize in advance--please no rude comments.

Thanks,

Rick
64's didn't sit "rear end low" - they sat level; the checking dimensions and measurement locations are shown in your Assembly Manual, near the end of UPC 3 and UPC 4.

The correct spring is 9-leaf (top 3 leaves flat, bottom 6 leaves cambered), 2-1/4" wide, with 9/16" bolts. 2-1/2"-wide springs and 7/16" bolts weren't used until the C3 era.

Rear camber should be set at 1/2* negative; it's adjusted with cam bolts at the inboard end of the rear strut rods. If there isn't enough adjustment left to bring camber into spec, the strut rod bushings have deteriorated and should be replaced.
Old 02-21-2013, 09:05 PM
  #25  
myred63
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http://corvette-world.com/-c-26.html
a lot of advertising pictures for the 64 vette ...
rgds
Old 02-21-2013, 09:23 PM
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rickcarson8500
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OK, OK, you got me! But, really I need useful information, not comments like "Bull$hit". You tell me how that is helpful to understanding or addressing the underlying issue(s)!
Old 02-21-2013, 09:26 PM
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rickcarson8500
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Hey Guys;

I have pics. How do I post them?

Remember, I'm realtively new to the forum; but, I'm trying Ringo, I'm trying really hard!!
Old 02-21-2013, 09:28 PM
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JohnZ
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Originally Posted by rickcarson8500
OK, OK, you got me! But, really I need useful information, not comments like "Bull$hit". You tell me how that is helpful to understanding or addressing the underlying issue(s)!
Did you read post #25?
Old 02-21-2013, 09:32 PM
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rickcarson8500
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I did John. However, some earlier reply solicited pictures so I thought I might ( if I knew how) post them. They do show the rear tires "cambered" inwards at the top.
Old 02-21-2013, 09:34 PM
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rickcarson8500
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Along the same lines, if my L84 fuelie had been ordered with the heavy duty suspension option, would the leaf configuration had been different? Ie, 7 leafs vs. 9 leafs; or some other configuration?
Old 02-21-2013, 09:35 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by rickcarson8500
I did John. However, some earlier reply solicited pictures so I thought I might ( if I knew how) post them. They do show the rear tires "cambered" inwards at the top.
They should be, but only by 1/2 a degree - that's negative camber.

There's a "sticky" at the top of the index page that describes how to post photos if you're not a paid member.
Old 02-21-2013, 09:35 PM
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Heavy duity got you the 7 leaf rear spring. All others got the standard 9 leaf spring
Old 02-21-2013, 09:37 PM
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rickcarson8500
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Thanks John--I'll look at the "Sticky" and try to get some pics posted!

Rick

PS: Greatly appreciate the advice!
Old 02-21-2013, 09:43 PM
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rickcarson8500
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Hey Nowhere Man--and all other Members;

My car has the 7 leafs and is a factory L84 fuelie. It also was ordered with a 4.56 rear end and Nylon tires. In your professional and expert opinion(s), should I continue to use the 7 leaf heavy duty transverse spring ( or maybe a replacement if my spring is beginning to weaken); or, revert to the 9 leafs?

Please, everyone, submit an opinion!!
Old 02-21-2013, 09:49 PM
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If you don't mind the harsh stiff ride from the 7 leaf I would stay with one.
Old 02-21-2013, 09:56 PM
  #36  
A-Snake
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Originally Posted by rickcarson8500
Hey Nowhere Man--and all other Members;

My car has the 7 leafs and is a factory L84 fuelie. It also was ordered with a 4.56 rear end and Nylon tires. In your professional and expert opinion(s), should I continue to use the 7 leaf heavy duty transverse spring ( or maybe a replacement if my spring is beginning to weaken); or, revert to the 9 leafs?

Please, everyone, submit an opinion!!
Rick, I'm confused. In another thread you started, you state "Mine is an L84 Fuelie. however, the F41 suspension option was apparently not ordered. In your opinion, should it have been ordered? Further, if it was an ordered option, would it have been manufactured with a 7 leaf spring?"

Now you say it has a 7 leaf? Was the 7 leaf added at some later date? Remember the F41 option is more than just a 7 leaf spring.
Old 02-21-2013, 09:57 PM
  #37  
DansYellow66
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You have no photographs. You have no suspension ride height measurements taken according to the instructions in the Corvette service manual. You don't even have any incorrectly taken measurement to points on the body to offer. You have nothing but second hand opinion and personal observations to offer. I don't know how you expect anyone to help you.

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To Do 64's sit "rear end" low?

Old 02-21-2013, 10:05 PM
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rickcarson8500
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Hey Dan;

Please, if it's not too much to ask, REREAD the original set of questions and then tell me what information you need to answer the question.

Where did you read that I did not have pics or other data--you're simply jumping to conclusions. Engage your brain before going ballistic on me!!
Old 02-21-2013, 10:07 PM
  #39  
rickcarson8500
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PS Dan;

As any intelligent observer might opine, despite the apparent "lack" of cogent information, many Members have been able to help--just not you!!
Old 02-21-2013, 10:10 PM
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rickcarson8500
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Hi A-Snake;

Having not been the original orwer of the car, I simply have no way to ascertain when the 7 leaf spring was added. I don't know if the dealer added it or some along-the-line owner. I just know that it's on the car now and has been for maybe 13 years!


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