Shims.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 448
Likes: 42
The right side has 3 silver shims ( cant get a good pick of the shims on the right, to tight of a space ) on the rear bolt and none on the front bolt. Right front wheel is centered in the wheel well.
Left front wheel A arm has a ton of shims on the rear bolt as seen on pick and none on the front bolt. Left rim is 1/2 inch back in the wheel well.
Picks pf the right front bolt.
Left front wheel A arm has a ton of shims on the rear bolt as seen on pick and none on the front bolt. Left rim is 1/2 inch back in the wheel well.
Picks pf the right front bolt.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi cvo,
Boy, great looking car!
Certainly showing a shim count not typical of factory production. Shims are being used to compensate for some issue.
How can you be sure it's not been in an accident?
Many frames have been tweaked by cars hitting into or running over curbs.
I'd also be looking very carefully at the steering parts to see if anything looks a miss. Steering box, center relay rod, tie rod tubes and joints, and the idler arm.
Somethings certainly up.
What information do you have on the car's history?
Regards,
Alan
Boy, great looking car!
Certainly showing a shim count not typical of factory production. Shims are being used to compensate for some issue.
How can you be sure it's not been in an accident?
Many frames have been tweaked by cars hitting into or running over curbs.
I'd also be looking very carefully at the steering parts to see if anything looks a miss. Steering box, center relay rod, tie rod tubes and joints, and the idler arm.
Somethings certainly up.
What information do you have on the car's history?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 2, 2014 at 08:46 PM.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,595
Likes: 7,043
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Wow.......that many shims on the rear bolt......no wonder the wheel rubs when turning and looks as though it's not centered.
How many miles have you put on the tires with the shims stacked like that?
Does the car pull to the left or right on a "level" road?
Is there unusual wear on either front tire?
(my project car was "over"-shimmed similar to yours...I measured the frame reference points to make sure it wasn't bent..... I used the "String Alignment Method" to align the front end)
How many miles have you put on the tires with the shims stacked like that?
Does the car pull to the left or right on a "level" road?
Is there unusual wear on either front tire?
(my project car was "over"-shimmed similar to yours...I measured the frame reference points to make sure it wasn't bent..... I used the "String Alignment Method" to align the front end)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 448
Likes: 42
I just bought this Vette a week ago. And it driver very nice. No pulling, or funny steering feel. Just that rubbing when you turn left. Tires look brand new, but develop a crazy vibration above 65MPH. The car was bearly driven in the last 7 years, so I am replacing the tires as soon as I get that shim thing figured out. The previous owner told me that the car has never bin in any accidents. And that these tires rub as they are bigger than the stock ones. I think the seller was to mechanically inclined, but a supper nice guy non the less.
That many shims on the "back" bolt will make the rim/tire move to the rear of the car, right?
Thank god we have a renowned Corvette specialist Santo "Corvette Guru" This guy is 30 min from my house. Will take the car to him for a total assessment. Hope I can do it before the snow flies. Cheers.
That many shims on the "back" bolt will make the rim/tire move to the rear of the car, right?
Thank god we have a renowned Corvette specialist Santo "Corvette Guru" This guy is 30 min from my house. Will take the car to him for a total assessment. Hope I can do it before the snow flies. Cheers.
Last edited by CVO2FIXUP; Oct 2, 2014 at 10:15 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,809
Likes: 441
From: Denver CO
Yes shimming on the back w/none on the front will move the wheel back(caster). My GM manual states the distance from center line of front to rear axles should be 98" I'd measure both sides and compare.Is the distance from the rear of the front tire to fender well the same on both sides?
Last edited by gjohnson; Oct 2, 2014 at 10:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 448
Likes: 42
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 535
Likes: 8
From: London Ontario
They ONLY way to know for sure is to have the alignment checked on a rack. Not very expensive at all (cost me $100 at a local shop) if they still know these older cars.
My left front will just kiss the frame rail on a tight left turn with 255/60s.
My left front will just kiss the frame rail on a tight left turn with 255/60s.