Corvette C3 Forum 1968 through 1982

LEANING 68

Old Jan 5, 2006 | 09:41 PM
  #1  
c3restore's Avatar
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Default LEANING 68

I have a small restoration shop. I've completed a 76 T-top. I'm now doing a 73 convertable for someone. I'm waiting for a front clip.
I just bought a 68 convertable for myself. I noticed that it leans to the drivers side. I've got the body off and it seems to lean in the front and the rear. at first I thought it was just the front. It leans a good 1 1/2 inches on that side. The frame does'nt look bent and I don't believe it is. I was told by the seller that the car came frome California. He bought it as is as did I.
Anyone have any ideas where I should start looking for the problem ?
 
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 05:17 PM
  #2  
Lee Willis's Avatar
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Default RE: LEANING 68

My first thought would be to assume that the springs have sagged over the years, more so on the side where the driver was all the time. They sometimes do. A cheap test is to just used spring compressors and switch springs side to side in front. that ought to verify the front. The rear? Those single leaf transverse springs -- I don't know how you'd idagnose that. but maybe one side has gotten more tired. Here, I'd replace the spring entirely anyway (that old, I hear they nearly always get tired).

If its not that and the frame is straight, then the sup[ension arims aren't.
 
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 09:40 PM
  #3  
c3restore's Avatar
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Default RE: LEANING 68

Thanks for your input Lee.
That was my guess also. I'm going to have an alignment guy come and look at it. I'll see what he thinks also before I tear into it. I also noticed the lower control arm on the leaning side says 76 corvette on it. So it looks like someone has done something before I got it. It does'nt appear to have been in a wreck. So I have know idea why the control arm was replaced.
Thanks again. I'll let you know the outcome. Tom Klugherz....Zeeth Vettes
 
Old Jan 6, 2006 | 11:21 PM
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Lee Willis's Avatar
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Default RE: LEANING 68


ORIGINAL: c3restore

Thanks for your input Lee.
. . . I also noticed the lower control arm on the leaning side says 76 corvette on it. . . . Tom Klugherz....Zeeth Vettes
don't you just hate this? Its like playing detective. Why did they do that, and when, and did that cause the . . . [whatever]. Its part of the frustration 9and fun) of any old car. It could have been someone hit a curbe and broken the suspension arm, etc. But it looks like you are closing in on it. Hope that frame isn't bent. Even if it is you can straighten it.
 
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