1956 Spindle Question
Race Director
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From: Mustang OK
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On the early Vettes, MANY, MANY, MANY people confust the spindles and the spindle supports.
The SPINDLE is that part which the wheel bearings and hub are attached to. The spindle support is that part which the spindle is attached to by the kingpin and bushings.
ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 49-54 Chevy passenger cars and ALLLLLLLLLLLL 53-62 Corvettes use the same spindles.
The spindle supports (some people call them uprights) will interchange, BUT the knuckle on the support where the kingpin goes through is in a different position on pass cars than it is on Vettes.
What the screwdriver is pointing at is the spindle.
And here are two spindle supports (uprights) and one spindle. The supports are LEFT & RIGHT, the spindles are NOT L&R.
And here is the support and spindle assembled.
Oh ya, and just in case anyone is interested, here's a link that I put together about a complete frontend rebuild (this particular one is from John Neas' 57 Vette).
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/218134/
Tom Parsons
The SPINDLE is that part which the wheel bearings and hub are attached to. The spindle support is that part which the spindle is attached to by the kingpin and bushings.
ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL 49-54 Chevy passenger cars and ALLLLLLLLLLLL 53-62 Corvettes use the same spindles.
The spindle supports (some people call them uprights) will interchange, BUT the knuckle on the support where the kingpin goes through is in a different position on pass cars than it is on Vettes.
What the screwdriver is pointing at is the spindle.
And here are two spindle supports (uprights) and one spindle. The supports are LEFT & RIGHT, the spindles are NOT L&R.
And here is the support and spindle assembled.
Oh ya, and just in case anyone is interested, here's a link that I put together about a complete frontend rebuild (this particular one is from John Neas' 57 Vette).
http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/sh...hp?tid/218134/
Tom Parsons
Last edited by DZAUTO; Dec 17, 2009 at 12:30 AM.
Race Director
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From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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They will PHYSICALLY interchange, but as I mentioned, it's the position of the knuckle on the upright for the kingpin that may be different. ACTUALLY, it's the 53-54 (pass car) uprights that have the knuckle in a different position. The 49-52 pass car uprights are the same as the 53-62 Vette uprights. Thus, if you wanted to lower the frontend of a 53-62 Vette, it can be done by swapping in the 53-54 pass car uprights.
Tom Parsons
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ramona California
Thanks Tom,If you use the 53-54 car upright what steering arms would you use? Or would you have to lower the vette arms to keep the tie rod angles correct.Have you tried this modifcation with success?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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This was frequently a modification done by early day Corvette road racers. Have I done it personally to my 56? No. But I have done it to customer's cars.
Tom Parsons
