Stance

[Vince Malvagna]

I have a 1970 Corvette Convertible, I love me Vette, but the one thing that drives me CRAZY is my car seems to set about 1,1/2" lower on the left side than it does on the right side, I guess to some it's not that big a deal. I can't stand it, it drives me nuts, I'm always aware of it. What can I do to raise the drivers side about an inch to inch and a half. it leans weather i'm in the car or not. Please Help. Thanks, Vince.

[William C.]

Re: Stance

Start by finding out if it is a simple spring issue or something in the body, On a flat surface, measure the distance from the center of the lower control arm shaft to the ground and compare the reading from side to side. The service manual shows where to take the measurement and the tolerance expected. If this is out of whack look into changing the springs. If the problem is not there, you may be looking at adjusting body panels.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Stance

Get a really fat passenger?

Sorry, it's the first thing that came to my mind.

Seriously, though, it's often the left side that sags before the right. My theory is that it's the constant weight of the driver, but it's only a theory.

Follow Bill's advice. Also, I'd measure the frame at several matching points side to side to verify "where" the problem resides. If your frame is equal, then odds are your suspension is OK. While you're under the car, verify that the car hasn't been hit and the frame tweaked, that rust hasn't caused the frame or birdcage to crack, or anything else like that.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: Stance

Vince-----

My 1969 original owner convertible has been 3/4" lower on the driver's side since the day it was new. Chevrolet zone reps at the time told me that this was within factory tolerances.

I have measured the frame-to-flat surface specs and the specs for interrelationship between suspension components. All were near perfect for my car. I've rebuilt the rear spring (several times) and rotatated it 180 degress. None of this made any difference, whatsoever, with respect to the side-to-side difference in ride height.

I am absolutely convinced that this is a problem that relates to the body-to-frame fitment. I don't think that there's any way to correct it without creating other major problems.

By the way, it's a very common problem with C2s and C3s.

[Ryan Clark]

Re: Stance

I'm glad to hear this.

My '65 driver side sits lower than the passenger side as well. I have checked a couple of the measurements and all seems ok, but the car still tilts a little.

It's nice to know it's a common problem even though it bugs me as well.

Ryan

[George Romano]

Re: Stance

My 72 did the same thing; sat lower on the driver side than the pass side, but it was more evident in the rear. I replaced the rear spring end link bushings, and the problem GREATLY improved. The original bushings and cups were in bad shape, and I guess they "squashed" to different thichnesses. The car is now within 1/4" side to side. I might add that the frame to ground is now dead on, but the body to ground is 1/4" off. Measuring from the garage floor to the top of the wheel opening, the car is 1/4" lower on the left. If I measure from the highest point on the rear fenders to the ceiling of the garage, the reading is even. I guess there is a tolerance in the body assembly. The car has never been hit.
Worth a try.

George