How 'rough riding' is/are the C1's?
 

I have not ridden in a C1 for long distances, so, like the question states, are they?

I can ride in my car for hours upon hours and not get a sore butt...

And has anyone put a C2 suspension in the back end of a C1?

A properly set up C1 (I'm talking the later '58-'62 cars) rides just fine. I've driven with my picky wife for up to 3 hours at a time in my stock C1 with no ill effects and minimal passenger complaints. I think some like the myth that they are uncomfortable and hard to drive so their machismo gets due consideration. Having said that; they are hot, noisy and handle like a pig at speed. Having driven mine around Sebring at triple digit speeds will have your life passing before your eyes - but a jaunt down a well-paved highway is perfectly fine.
Radial tires, good shocks and well maintained suspension/steering makes the difference.

its all about the wheel base. wore out seats and suspension can make you think you are riding on a buck board

Jack,

My C1 seems to be more solid in the straight away than my C2. Because of the straight axle, the C1 will not corner as well. Best thing to do is take a nice ride in a C1. The later years have more cockpit space if you are tall.

Sounds like you are shopping for a C1? :D

More like wishing...:D

That's how it all starts.
1. Wishing
2. Looking
3. Owning

:iagree::D

:iagree: And ditto, we also did the Sebring track tour......the 62 handles and rides better than ever now (few minor mods).

Plasticman

I just got my 61 on the road 2 weeks ago. ( old owner stored it for near 30 years). this is my first straight axle. I was not happy how it road the first time out . it was 90 degrees out side and I had the black hard top on. the new exhaust gave off some smells etc.I got it home and took the top off. now I just love it. like night and day with no top. I do have radials on it.

:iagree:I haven't put the top on the 60 since 1985. Radials make all the difference in the world. :cheers:

Jim

heh heh…. and so it begins. the dream of owning a "real" Corvette, that has lurked within us all for so many years calls…… quietly at first….. eventually you must surrender to the force, Jack.


Not that's lived to tell about it. :ack:

Russ

Ive driven my '58 to St Charles and back, 200 miles one way, without issue. Its not as comfy as a C5, but its not supposed to be.

Like Jim says, radials are the answer to this question.

I've only driven three c2's one small block coupe, two convertibles "one small block, one big block" I prefer the ride of my 57. It handles a little less well in hard curves, but for cruising I prefer the straight axel.

drove mine on a 10+K mile trip last summer, but then mine is no longer 'stock'
Bill

You guys should contact me about my 62. You too could be the proud new owner of a solid axle Corvette. I have had many inquiries but no sales so far.

I have taken 5 hr road trips in my 57, and I had less back (and butt) pain than in any c5 or c6 I have driven! As said above , good radials and good seats make the difference.

drove my 62 from whidbey island Wa in 71 to WVa about 3000 miles have not driven the 63 since 75 but coming home it felt great ( i soon went to vietnam ) i am now doing body off resto cannot wait to get it back on the road even back then they still cooler than new cars then and and now

it is a62 not 63

My 62 has taken my wife and I on a few 700 mile trips with no trouble or pains. It is a C1 and does not ride like a Cadillac, but it is a hell of a lot more fun then the Caddy.
I have driven mine to Carlisle, Bloomington and Bowling Green and lot of other places numerous times.
Now I must admit my 65 is more comfortable but I am also older now, but I still like traveling in my 62 or 57.

My '61 does not ride quite as nice as my '72 did. But for an older car, it still rides nice enough to put a big grin on my face every time that I drive it - plus it draws a big crowd every time that I pull into the Dairy Queen parking lot

:thumbs::thumbs: