I posted this to the wrong thread earlier, so here it is again.

I was driving the 62 this morning, to make sure the heater hoses weren't leaking and all was tight. This was really the 1st time I've been able to drive and trust the old girl, in the 200+ miles I've put on her since buying a few months ago, but I think we crossed that threshold today.

I was able to pay attention to tracking and stability and upping the tire pressure (different CF thread) helped, but it wasn't as stable a ride as I was expecting or what my 40+ year old memories of my 1961 were back in the early 70's. Maybe it's just age, but I don't think so.

So, do you have to go to an aftermarket frame and suspension to get a C-1 to track and handle tighter? Is that what it takes so it doesn't feel spongy when changing lanes, steering around pot holes or dodging road debris. Today, when testing the stability, I did abbreviated zig-zag's like Indy cars do to heat their tires and the body rolls a lot, even through she has brand new shocks. Maybe I need new stabilizer and strut bushings all the way around? I was able to put her through some acceleration paces and even chirped the tires a few times (still fun) going through the gears, but under acceleration she just doesn't feel as stable as I remember. My 61 wasn't as tight, stable or quick to turn as my Austin Healey 100-6, but it was no slouch either and didn't feel spongy or loose like this car does.

When I got her, I noticed my front R/H fender opening height is about 1/2" to 3/4" lower than the L/H side and in the back, there is a 1/4" to 1/2" difference too, but on opposite sides of the front. Is this telling me something?

When I see C-1's with 400+ HP with what appears to be stock suspensions, I almost think they must have a death wish. I have no intentions of going to an aftermarket frame, so I need to make this 62 a more solid platform to play with............any suggestions.

BH

Butch

 

 

You know I've replied a few times to your emails that I'd be happy to take a look at it if you want to bring it over. I cannot make any suggestions or assessments unless I have my hands on it.

 

I had a chance today to wring out my '62 (300hp 4-speed) a little on some nice, twisty back roads. I found it to be quite responsive and comfortable to toss around a bit. Mine is a 64K original mile car and still has the stock suspension, with the exception of new shocks and radial tires. She steers and stops well, bearing in mind that it's 56-year-old technology. No, it can't hold a candle to my C7, but that's to be expected. I would say that you should have someone look at your car, it sounds like something isn't right if it handles as poorly as you say. A properly set up and maintained C1 - especially a '62 - is a pretty good road car. Good luck, and get that baby fixed so you can enjoy it.

 

Hi Tom,

You have been very kind to me and I plan on coming by. I'm just now getting the car to the point where I trust it to drive even 25-30 miles, without concern something will fail. Couldn't drive it far without fuel and gas gauges working, then the king pins and shocks, then the wrong slip yoke and new driveshaft. It's a 100% better than 3 months ago, but there is more needed. Then driving it home from repair shop (water pump), the heater hose was misplaced ( I didn't look) and got a hole from rubbing on the alternator belt, which I thought was the radiator, since it shot the water through the radiator and out the front. Seems like every time I took it out something else broke. It's taken 2-3 months to just get a handle on it and gain some understanding of the car in general. I'm looking very forward to just driving it.

I look very forward to your opinions and hope to see you a week from this Friday.

Butch

 

Thanks Fyreline,

What you describe is what I remember of my 61. This car has 123K and apparently that's about the time many systems need to be OH'd. Might be why the long time previous owner decided to sell it. Mine stops great, but driving on twisty back roads is not something I would want to do right now. I was part owner in a C-7 GS with my son from 12/17 to 3/18 and I never expected this car to behave or handle like that, but I also didn't expect it to handle like a 58 Chevy Impala convertible I owned back the day either. Shouldn't handle like a boat. BTW, the C-1 is superior to the C-7 in smoothness of ride. Those run flats are horrible hard riding.

And, yes, it has steel belted radials.

BH

 

Next Friday (Jul 27) we are going to our son's in Missouri for a grandson's birthday. We're coming back Mon (Jul 30).

 

 

 

The C1s are based on '40s technology and they will always be a bit piggish in the turns....I took my '61 around Sebring and it was in first rate shape; it was still a handful on each turn.... DZAuto will tell you what might help... The 400hp (and 500hp in the case of Devildog) with stock frames spend much of that hp in a straight line I'm betting..

I laugh at the guys in the local Cars and Coffee that ask me about handling when they drive Porche's and Z-cars....they have no idea...

 

I've had our '62 for about 27 years now. When I first purchased the car, I replaced the king pins, as well as cutting one coil, and added disk brakes.

A few years ago, I restored the entire car. Wasn't a planned event, but none the less, circumstances forced me to do so.

At that time I installed a four link, coil over rear suspension. Disk brakes were added to the rear.

Even though the front suspension remains basically stock, the car drives, tracks, and corners very well. Of course it's nothing like newer technology, but I've never had a problem with the way the car drives.

I think I would take Tom up on his gracious offer.

Pat

 

 

X3 or 4 on having Tom (DZ) looking over your car. If it were me, I'd put it on a trailer if I was not confident, and get it to him while the offer is still open. I can't imagine snoozing on an opportunity like that.

 

I'm going for sure and the only thing that has stopped me so far is getting the car operating correctly and I still work 45 hours a week and have other responsibilities. Looking very forward to retiring and having time during the week to do things like visiting Tom. Took the wife out this morning for an hour cruise and it was great!

It's handling better than I make it sound and some might be getting used to the technology of 1962, but there are still some issues and hopefully Tom might suggest some fixes. Had a ball this morning and did some twisty driving below 40 mph and the car handled it well.

BH

 

My '61 has over 400 HP at the rear wheels and 400 ft-lb of Tq, at 1500 RPM, at the rear wheels thru full exhaust. Stock frame etc,

I have autocrossed it on a skid pad and it handles pretty darn good. Not as fast as a C4 and up, but not bad. It oversteers abit, that is controllable.

It also has all new (1995, perhaps 8000 miles on them) front shafts, bushing etc, and heavy duty front and rear springs.

I aligned it myself after getting frustrated with the commercial shops and it steers straight down the road with hands off the steering wheel. What it needs is real seats with side support.

Doug

 

A "live" (solid) rear axle and the antiquated steering setup will need some getting used to if you're jumping into a C1 from a modern car. Sounds like you're a busy man so drive it a bit and see if you still feel its that sloppy afterwards....then, if you think it needs a look-see, there simply is no more knowledgeable person that Tom Parsons (DZAuto)..

Someday I'll find the video the wife shot of me in the '61 going around the curves at Sebring at speed and people can get a feel for the experience - she "organized" my videos/photos and now things have disappeared...

 

To help with steering I have heard there is a rack and pinion setup that bolts into the stock components. has anyone used a setup like this to help with handling?

 

Just completed a 500 mile drive in my '61. All original suspension (except shocks and radials, and steering box rebuild). 140K miles.
Like Frank mentioned, the front end is from a ''49 Chevy.... But on easy cruising, under 65 mph, changing lanes, etc.. I don't have any issues.
Beware of the tight, downhill turns, however!

I rallied with 65 other C1s last weekend at the SACC convention.. on our scenic cruise to the Malmut auto museum, there was a tight right hand turn at the bottom of a hill. Maybe 40-45 MPH section... I saw the guy in front of me swing wide... so I cut it early and only swung 1/2 way out into the oncoming lane.. but I saw many C1s having difficulty with making that turn!

 

won't help handling, only steering..
Bill

 

Steering is a big part of handling and the rack and pinion and power steering in my 57 does make it handle a lot better with the quick response even with the stock suspension .