C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 02:13 PM
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Default Shaking

Just purchased a 75 and the test drive was with 15 year old (or older) tires but the test drive was good. First thing I did was get new tires. The store owner showed me that two rims were had a slight wobble. And since then after about 30 mph it shakes, wobbles, (not sure what the proper word is. He put both of those rims on the passenger side. I purchased a new rim and today he replaced the front one with basically no change (maybe just a bit). I guess I'll get another new rim and replace the rear one. If that's not it do any of you know what else would cause something like that?

Thanks!!
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 03:59 PM
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Are the suspension bushings, especially the trailing arm and strut rod bushings original?

Worn out shocks or a bad alignment could cause some bouncing/shaking too.
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Piersonpie
Are the suspension bushings, especially the trailing arm and strut rod bushings original?

Worn out shocks or a bad alignment could cause some bouncing/shaking too.
The trailing arm bushing went out a couple days after I purchased the car. (they were original). So, they are new assuming the shop did it right. I'll check out the strut rod bushings.
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 04:39 PM
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There are so many things that can cause a shake/wobble.
I rebuilt absolutely everything under my car chasing a shake that came on right on 70MPH. Drove me insane.
Finally found twisted yokes on rear half shafts. Nothing you could see mind you.
Best of luck to you.
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Old Nov 7, 2025 | 10:25 PM
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First, swap the new front wheel with the old rear. If it's due to a warped/bent/wonky wheel you should definitely feel it in the steering wheel feedback.

Do you recall if the car shook for the few days before the rear bushing changes?

I'd check that all rear suspension bolts are tight, both trailing arms are packed with alignment shims on both sides of the bushings, and the shock mounts are tight. Do the same checks for the front a-ams and alignment shims.
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Old Nov 8, 2025 | 02:03 AM
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What brand of tires did you get?
When I bought my '75 coupe last year, the previous owner had installed new "phantom" brand tires. After several attempts to balance, the local tire shop checked the wheels for true (they were perfect) then the tires (they were 1/16" out of round). A new set of BFG's fixed the problem.... smooth as glass.
Cheap junky tires.
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Old Nov 10, 2025 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by barkingrats
First, swap the new front wheel with the old rear. If it's due to a warped/bent/wonky wheel you should definitely feel it in the steering wheel feedback.

Do you recall if the car shook for the few days before the rear bushing changes?

I'd check that all rear suspension bolts are tight, both trailing arms are packed with alignment shims on both sides of the bushings, and the shock mounts are tight. Do the same checks for the front a-ams and alignment shims.
Yes, it did shake before the trailing arm bushings were installed.
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Old Nov 10, 2025 | 07:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Zanny1
What brand of tires did you get?
When I bought my '75 coupe last year, the previous owner had installed new "phantom" brand tires. After several attempts to balance, the local tire shop checked the wheels for true (they were perfect) then the tires (they were 1/16" out of round). A new set of BFG's fixed the problem.... smooth as glass.
Cheap junky tires.
The tires are Cooper Cobras.
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Old Nov 10, 2025 | 06:34 PM
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The new tires themselves could be way out of balance.
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Old Nov 11, 2025 | 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Chambered
The new tires themselves could be way out of balance.
Yea, I'm thinking about spending the money and let someone else balance them. Then I'll know for sure.
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Old Nov 11, 2025 | 12:04 PM
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The most unsafe ( and I am guilty of it myself) is buying a C3 and taking it out for shakedown ride with your foot to the floor to see what it can do, this is dangerous and should be a "Sticky". The car should be towed to your mechanic and checked over first, after all you have no idea if something is rotting under a 40+ year car.
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