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Apr 14, 2010 | 05:36 PM

tomtrl

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: Tulsa OK

Newbe and Question

Hi all, I'm new here as I just picked up a '79. It's kind of a project, but runs and drives, so already having fun with it. My first questions (I'm sure there will be lots more) is that it kind of wanders all over the road. It used to have power steering, but that has been removed. I was underneath the car and everything seems tight. I'm not comfortable taking it out on the highway due to this, but am anxious to do so.

Thanks in advance for all of the help that I'm sure to get here.

Apr 14, 2010 | 06:11 PM

smallblock350

Instructor

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 164

Likes: 21

From: Las Vegas, NV

Front end alignment.
Check that tires are balanced, proper air pressure, evenly worn and the same size.
Make sure frame is straight.

Apr 14, 2010 | 06:18 PM

Duke94

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2001

Posts: 6,640

Likes: 287

From: Ann Arbor Michigan

Does it still have the power steering valve mounted on the linkage?

Gary

This part.

Last edited by Duke94; Apr 14, 2010 at 06:26 PM.

Apr 14, 2010 | 06:19 PM

Schaggy

Instructor

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 216

Likes: 0

From: Eugene OR

I've been through the wash, rinse and dry cycles with these kind of problems over the last few years. Definitely start by getting the thing to an alignment shop. I replaced every bushing and rebuilt all of the front end pieces before I found out I had frame issues.

Also-Don't freak out if you do have frame issues. The front crossmembers are known to sag on these cars, but it only cost me around $600 to get that fixed.

Apr 15, 2010 | 10:42 AM

tomtrl

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

From: Tulsa OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke94

Does it still have the power steering valve mounted on the linkage?

Gary

This part.

No, it doesn't. Although I have a box of parts and it may be in there.

Apr 15, 2010 | 10:51 AM

Wuttin

Drifting

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,430

Likes: 8

From: Hamilton NJ

All good advice...I had a spent idler arm when I purchased my 79. It made a huge handling difference when replaced, even before doing a complete rebuild and alignment.

A good alignment shop will be able to point out any issues you have but realize an alignment won't fix problems, just make it the best it can be with your current set-up.

Best of luck..let's see some pix!

Apr 15, 2010 | 11:19 AM

Ganey

Race Director

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 11,520

Likes: 13

From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallblock350

Front end alignment.
Check that tires are balanced, proper air pressure, evenly worn and the same size.
Make sure frame is straight.

4 wheel alignment. Also check for worn parts & alignment in back- I.R.S.

Apr 15, 2010 | 12:14 PM

C3 4ME

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 6,247

Likes: 471

From: Glen Allen, VA

If it jumps to the side from the back when you let up off the gas, or when you speed up from a steady cruise, that's a sure sign of a worn trailing arm bushing.