Chassis work about to get interesting
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Chesapeake Virginia
Chassis work about to get interesting
Hey guys,
as some of you may know, I'm doing a body off resto-mod on my '81 coupe, in between getting the new engine sorted out and off to the machine shop, I've been working on stripping the frame down to parade rest to send in and have it blasted and powder coated. I'm sending the frame, trailing arms, upper and lower control arms, sway bar, coil spings, radiator support and drive shaft for coating, the shop quoted me $400.00 for everything.
anyway, it will be there about a week so I have time to order some parts for putting it back together, I'm replacing all the brake lines, hoses, fuel lines, calipers, rotors, bushings(all of them), ball joints, tie rod ends and the like.
my question is, which type of bushing should I use? this won't be a track/race car, just a nice weekend cruiser. I've heard the urethane are better for performance but the rubber offer a more comfortable ride. is this true?
also, does anyone know of a good quality "KIT" that has all the bushings for my car in one package? I can "piece" it all together but thought it would be easier to just order one package.
also, has anyone been able to talk to the vendors and swing a discount because of ordering large $$$'s of parts at the same time. (just a thought).
thanks in advance.
as some of you may know, I'm doing a body off resto-mod on my '81 coupe, in between getting the new engine sorted out and off to the machine shop, I've been working on stripping the frame down to parade rest to send in and have it blasted and powder coated. I'm sending the frame, trailing arms, upper and lower control arms, sway bar, coil spings, radiator support and drive shaft for coating, the shop quoted me $400.00 for everything.
anyway, it will be there about a week so I have time to order some parts for putting it back together, I'm replacing all the brake lines, hoses, fuel lines, calipers, rotors, bushings(all of them), ball joints, tie rod ends and the like.
my question is, which type of bushing should I use? this won't be a track/race car, just a nice weekend cruiser. I've heard the urethane are better for performance but the rubber offer a more comfortable ride. is this true?
also, does anyone know of a good quality "KIT" that has all the bushings for my car in one package? I can "piece" it all together but thought it would be easier to just order one package.
also, has anyone been able to talk to the vendors and swing a discount because of ordering large $$$'s of parts at the same time. (just a thought).
thanks in advance.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Woodinville WA
- I think that Corvettes are, by definition, really good stock; but I think stock is wayyyyy too reliable 
I say poly in everything (with appropriate lube) but the trailing arm bushings and lower, rear control arms. Of course, if money is no object - teflon heim joints, poly joints, and johnny joints at the TA (respectively). Further, I'd eliminate the rag joint in the steering column. I would NOT put poly in any motor-mount surface and would put an upper tie bar on the front suspension. From my perspective, making a car handle better than new is a good thing - especially when there really isn't a downside (if properly installed).
