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C3 bottom scraping question

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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 01:22 PM
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Default C3 bottom scraping question
Just bought a 1970 big block coupe. It's in nice shape, has been restored previously, but has some things that need work. One of the most immediate things I am noticing is that if I turn sharp or go over even a very modest bump in the road, the bottom scrapes. Does this indicate a suspension issue? If so, I am assuming that's not an easy or inexpensive thing to get fixed?

Thanks!
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 01:50 PM
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You have some serious suspension issues if the bottom scrapes. Are you sure its not the tires rubbing on the frame?
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 01:55 PM
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...Or possibly the exhaust pipes where they pass under the differential?

To low and they could scrape with bumps.
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 06:29 PM
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Pictures would help. I don't scrape on anything and it's lowered a little.
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 06:37 PM
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The culprits on my '82 are the exhaust pipes under the diff and the front edge of the spare tire tub.
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by exposingtime
You have some serious suspension issues if the bottom scrapes. Are you sure its not the tires rubbing on the frame?


A lot of threads have mentioned over-sized tires rubbing the frame.... have you checked inside the front wheel wells?
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 07:48 PM
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Originally Posted by oldgto


A lot of threads have mentioned over-sized tires rubbing the frame.... have you checked inside the front wheel wells?
Yeah the tires are definitely too big and they rub when you turn too sharply. I'm a little surprised to hear that could cause a bottoming out problem though. I'll post some pictures and see if that helps identify the issue. Thanks.
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 08:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Majestic_C7
Yeah the tires are definitely too big and they rub when you turn too sharply. I'm a little surprised to hear that could cause a bottoming out problem though. I'll post some pictures and see if that helps identify the issue. Thanks.
Actually I was able to get a better look underneath and discovered the exhaust is hanging down about an inch lower on the passenger side. That's where I'm getting the rub. Clearly the exhaust is the lowest point on the bottom of the car; makes me think switching to a side exhaust could be a really good idea for the extra clearance (in addition to just looking better and sounding better).
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Old Sep 17, 2016 | 08:55 PM
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Potential causes: weak rear spring; weak shock absorbers; rear lowered by prior owner; exhaust not installed per factory spec.; non-standard exhaust components; tire height too short (tread to rim).
Last edited by 7T1vette; Sep 17, 2016 at 08:56 PM.
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Old Sep 18, 2016 | 01:52 AM
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What is the ride height in the rear? Measure from the ground to the top of the wheel well.
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