1954 Alignment Shims?
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Summerville, SC
1954 Alignment Shims?
I just ordered a front end suspension rebuild kit that includes the front alignment shims (1956+) and states they can be retrofitted on the 53-55 models. I am curious, has anyone from those earlier years used them and were the results positive?
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You can
The alum shims give additional caster which increases wheel returnability
Yes - originally - 53 54 55 did not have them
Yes you can retro fit them
They do not pass judging but if you dont care about that you can use them.
The alum shims give additional caster which increases wheel returnability
Yes - originally - 53 54 55 did not have them
Yes you can retro fit them
They do not pass judging but if you dont care about that you can use them.
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You can take what Chris said to the bank.
That said, my unrestored '54 #3300 does NOT have the shims and I don't miss them. The steering is easy and the car is delightful to drive.
In contrast, my '60 does have the shims and requires considerably more effort to turn.
That said, my unrestored '54 #3300 does NOT have the shims and I don't miss them. The steering is easy and the car is delightful to drive.
In contrast, my '60 does have the shims and requires considerably more effort to turn.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Summerville, SC
That's mainly what I was asking, how it would impact drivability. I'm not going for judging, just to make it more fun to drive (I've pulled the 235 and putting in a custom built up 261 to go that McGurk suggested upgrade for that era).
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A friend has a '53 with a "built" 261 and a 4 speed. The car is downright spunky! You're gonna like yours, I bet.
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What the shim does is add positive caster
It will make the steering easier and the wheel will return quickly and the car will feel more stable.
Your build sounds fun !
It will make the steering easier and the wheel will return quickly and the car will feel more stable.
Your build sounds fun !
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- type fast than my brain works sometimes....
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The additional caster the shims provide increased high speed stability. if you aren't driving 80-100 MPH or more, you would probably see no benefit.
The shims do make the steering wheel much harder to turn when stopped on rough pavement if you have modern wide tires (my tires have tread width of somewhere around 7"), it isn't really noticeably more effort if you run skinny bias ply tires.
Doug
The shims do make the steering wheel much harder to turn when stopped on rough pavement if you have modern wide tires (my tires have tread width of somewhere around 7"), it isn't really noticeably more effort if you run skinny bias ply tires.
Doug