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Wheelbase on a C3 Corvette is 98 inches. Goggle it if you like. Something is very wrong here.
I run the same size tires as you. Same body. I'll go out to the garage and take some top down photos like you posted.
Thanks for the photos! It looks like your passenger side wheel is sticking out a bit further. Perhaps take some diagonal measurements where you can, on the frame, and on the front clip, and see if there is anything obviously not square.
A dimensioned drawing of the C3 frame has been posted here a few times, but I didn't save it on this device. You might find it with a search.
OK, back in from the garage. First let me inform you that less than a year ago I replaced all 8 body mounts. Number 4 frame mounts in the rear were repaired.
Body was put back down with careful attention to the alignment holes.
Left rear, as straight down as I could get it.
Right rear.
Left front.
Right front.
As you can see, both front tires are hidden when viewed from directly above.
Both rear tires are just slightly proud.
I could take photos from different angles but it won't make any difference. Both front tires are indeed just inside the wheel openings. And the rear wheels look perfectly equal as to the amount they are proud.
Factory wheels. Aluminium slots. Recently checked and road force balanced.
Not certain if your pic's are directly down or not.
it does sound odd that your wheelbase is 1 1/2 inches longer than spec. An 1/8inch or so I could see. But a 1 1/2". ???
I would remove the door sill plates and look at the body to frame alignment holes. Perhaps all is good. But given your measurements. I would want to look.
In your side on photo, it is clear your front wheel is way forward compared to other C3's. This is confirmed by your measurements.
Now to find out why.
Wheelbase on a C3 Corvette is 98 inches. Goggle it if you like. Something is very wrong here.
I run the same size tires as you. Same body. I'll go out to the garage and take some top down photos like you posted.
Yes, I agree. I have a 74 service manual and it indicates wheelbase is 98 inches. Now that I think about it, I may have an idea on the extra wheelbase length I posted. I'm ok here since the measurements for both sides came out pretty close to each other. I will go back and measure from bumper to bumper to try and verify if the front clip may be crocked or anything.
Also, I know we do not think the poly control arm bushings should not be causing the car height to be high. My front and rear end link bushings are poly, too. Any chance they could be causing the height issue? Thanks.
Last edited by hgoodwiniii; Apr 3, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
Yes, I agree. I have a 74 service manual and it indicates wheelbase is 98 inches. Now that I think about it, I may have an idea on the extra wheelbase length I posted. I'm ok here since the measurements for both sides came out pretty close to each other. I will go back and measure from bumper to bumper to try and verify if the front clip may be crocked or anything.
Also, I know we do not think the poly control arm bushings should not be causing the car height to be high. My front and rear end link bushings are poly, too. Any chance they could be causing the height issue? Thanks.
I'd say there is zero chance that the poly bushings are changing your ride height in any way. They do not "deflect", or impart any force that will keep the car in the air.
There is a chance that your lower control arms are canted forward, either due to the bushing replacement, or something the first alignment shop did. But I don't think there is any adjustment on the LCAs, and if you had smashed the ends installing the poly bushings, you likely would have noticed.
Other than a bent frame, a bent control arm mount, or a smushed front clip, I'm at a loss to explain what is going on.
Are you still on good terms with the alignment shop? Or another garage? Getting up on a lift and taking photos/measurements then might help.
Based on that one rear tire sticking out "proud" of the fender. I would say your body must have shifted on the frame.
As mentioned there are alignment holes with red plugs under the door sill plates you can check.
As far as the 1.5" long wheelbase on both sides???????
I don't see how that could happen unless the wrong a-arms were used, or installed backwards, or the frame is "stretched".
Other than that I am clueless on that one. Hmmm...Was the wheelbase measured center to center? (dustcap or wheel cap)
Keep measuring, that 1-1/2" is a big enough difference it will be easy to spot once you find it. Even with a simple tape measure.
Frame charts: 1969 frame chart
1979 frame chart. The last 6" of the rear bumper section is the only real difference. But this one also lists some important diagonals.
Any diagonal you measure must match within a 1/4"
The 79 chart also lists a lower a-arm ball-joint spec. Guess where I would check first on your car?
The s-bends shrink easily in an accident by design. Check that at the lower center crossmember hole in case it was hit & pulled out "too far".
Last edited by leigh1322; Apr 4, 2024 at 07:10 AM.
Hi Bikespace, I have not looked at the tire rubbing since we last spoke. My EFI has demons right now that I need to resolve. I plan to get back on it this week. Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
Last edited by hgoodwiniii; Apr 29, 2024 at 04:18 PM.
