72 front suspension
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
72 front suspension
Team,
Got a situation brewing that I need some advice on. I'm resorting a 72 vert. It a driver project. It's led a hard life and will never be a show car. I just want to drive it and have fun with it. I have completed most of the mechanical work. Engine, tranny rear end and rear suspension VBP rear leaf, sway bar all new poly bushings. Was planning a stock rebuild on the front. One lower control arm is bent. The cross shafts are pitted to the point of not being round. Contemplating VBP front transverse spring for upgrade now that my stock stuff needs more replacement than originally planned. The cost delta is about 400 bucks more to do the whole suspension aftermarket than if I do original replacement. For an extra 400 bucks would you convert? Pros/ cons? Thought about coil overs, but a much bigger cost delta like another 1000 bucks.
Ideas comments please. This is the last step before paint.
Kevin
Got a situation brewing that I need some advice on. I'm resorting a 72 vert. It a driver project. It's led a hard life and will never be a show car. I just want to drive it and have fun with it. I have completed most of the mechanical work. Engine, tranny rear end and rear suspension VBP rear leaf, sway bar all new poly bushings. Was planning a stock rebuild on the front. One lower control arm is bent. The cross shafts are pitted to the point of not being round. Contemplating VBP front transverse spring for upgrade now that my stock stuff needs more replacement than originally planned. The cost delta is about 400 bucks more to do the whole suspension aftermarket than if I do original replacement. For an extra 400 bucks would you convert? Pros/ cons? Thought about coil overs, but a much bigger cost delta like another 1000 bucks.
Ideas comments please. This is the last step before paint.
Kevin
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 51
From: Cartersville GA
I'm also considering upgrading the suspension on my '69, so good luck with whatever decision you make. However, since you said your control arm was bent, be sure to check your mounting brackets for the lower arms to be sure the welds are good. My welds cracked and based on feedback from members here and some folks who work on these cars, the welding of these areas wasn't the best from the factory. I recommend you find a welder that has experience with frame welding and have them add some strength in this area.
My before picture:
My after picture:
They also did some spot welding on the bracket that runs under the cross member fore to aft.
My before picture:
My after picture:
They also did some spot welding on the bracket that runs under the cross member fore to aft.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Hard question to answer,
Some will say stay stock just because but you already modded so...
My new chassis came with all the VB transverse set up, it's sweet, I never would have bought it, I'm cheap but I got the chassis cheap,
If you go with the front transverse set up the car will handle and ride basically as good as a c4 which so many people like to boast handle and rode so much better than c3's so....
But the transverse stuff is old, now single coil overs on each wheel is todays cutting edge for c3's
If you are just going to drive the thing like a car...stock is fine.
Heck, people raced these cars basically stock....
Some will say stay stock just because but you already modded so...
My new chassis came with all the VB transverse set up, it's sweet, I never would have bought it, I'm cheap but I got the chassis cheap,
If you go with the front transverse set up the car will handle and ride basically as good as a c4 which so many people like to boast handle and rode so much better than c3's so....
But the transverse stuff is old, now single coil overs on each wheel is todays cutting edge for c3's
If you are just going to drive the thing like a car...stock is fine.
Heck, people raced these cars basically stock....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 298
From: Midlothian VA
You'll be amazed how nice a new stock rubber install performs.
My 72 is a daily driver and the fresh front end I installed 2 years ago makes it a pleasure to drive again.
