New Suspension Kit
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
I guess just take your time and follow the VBP directions. I put on a similar suspension kit from them a few years back.
For each step, I found it beneficial to review the entire procedure and mentally go through what needs to be done. Then make sure you have all the tools ready so you don't waste time finding the right one. If you need special tools to take apart things like ball joints or steering parts, you can usually rent them for free from the local parts store.
For each step, I found it beneficial to review the entire procedure and mentally go through what needs to be done. Then make sure you have all the tools ready so you don't waste time finding the right one. If you need special tools to take apart things like ball joints or steering parts, you can usually rent them for free from the local parts store.
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Oldsmar FL
I put the VBP performance plus suspension package on my '79 about a year ago. I did the rear first and then did the front. They provided a dvd which covered installation of everything in the package.
If you didn't get the dvd you might want to contact them to see if it is still available. It was extremely helpful to me.
If you didn't get the dvd you might want to contact them to see if it is still available. It was extremely helpful to me.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
See the archived article by John Greenwood entitled Vette Improvement Program (VIP). See the section on suspension for instructions on how to set ride height for best performance.
The VBP Arms locate the rubber frame bumper in a different location from the stock arms and it should be trimmed to allow full suspension travel when the front end is lowered.
Start with the front spring on the softest setting to start with.
The VBP Arms locate the rubber frame bumper in a different location from the stock arms and it should be trimmed to allow full suspension travel when the front end is lowered.
Start with the front spring on the softest setting to start with.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Its simple, all that stuff bolts right on. An impact is a real big help on this job. Last one I did the front end took about 6 hrs start to finish, about the same for the rear. If you have not taken it apart yet, take a pressure washer to it first and clean it up as best as you can. Makes the job a lot neater. Good luck, post some pics
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Thanks for all the input. I pressure washed this weekend and then put on some PB Blaster on all the parts. I have a rear main leak so I have been draining the pan for a couple of days and will replace the seal while the suspension is off. Hoping the weather will stay nice for a few days. 74 and sunny today.
Thanks again
Thanks again
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,273
Likes: 14
From: Austin TX
I owned a 71 for 23 years and tried most every combination including composite springs on it. I improved the ride a lot but it is no where near the ride quality of the C5 I now own. Remember, the C3 suspension was first used on C2 and was designed in the late 50's. The C5 suspension was designed in the mid 90's - almost 40 years later.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
-W
PS: Also, keep your front A-arm assemblies. Sandblast and paint them and re-assemble them with new bushings and factory style ball joints.
Zip is getting $1200 for a repop set of four. Properly marketed, you outta be able to get at least $800 for your pulls if you do a good enough job on them. Just keep them 100% original.
Last edited by Clams Canino; May 30, 2010 at 06:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 1
From: Ansonia/NYC CT
Not sure if the exact year matters, but on my 76', I got the bolts through on the new upper arms with a little jiggling, choice four letter words, and then some more aggressive procedures. It was the passenger side that was the worst, drivers side went in no problem. No cutting of the fan shroud had to be done. Just patience, and a lot of different positions before finding the one that was "just right".
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Lansdowne VA
I just put that suspension on my 75, as someone said before... Loosen up the bolts and push them back a little and the upper control arm will fit right in and then push the bolts back through. Once you get the bolts loose its pretty easy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
At worst, in a moment of defeat, you would remove it and put it back. But there is no way to ever need to cut your fan shroud.
-W
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 640
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Thanks for the help from everyone. I feel like a real dummy, I thought the bolts/studs were welded where the A arms bolted on. They are knurled like a wheel stud. I was able to tap them out so I replaced them with new grade 8 bolts and the A Arms fit right in.
Thanks again, this Forum is great!!!
Thanks again, this Forum is great!!!