My 64 driver 'dances' quite a bit when I hit a decent size bump in the road, i.e. more shimmy and skating than should be there. I'm eventually going to replace shocks, tie rod ends, idler arm, etc. but if I want to get the quickest bang for my buck, what are people's experience as to which component replacement will have the biggest impact. David #33277
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
The front end is the same as a '63 pass car as far as the design of most major components is concerned. Take it to a competent front end shop or a dealership that has a couple of old technicians around and have the front end inspected. that's a lot more reliable than troubleshooting by "best guess"Bill Clupper #618 -
Re: C2 Dancing Front End
Like Bill said, it could be anything in the suspension or steering OR TIRES.
You need a competent front end specialist do do a thorough inspection.
DukeComment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
I also second that you get under that car to determin whats causing the problem
I have a 1966 and allthough I know its not a brand new car I am quite comfortable and confident with driving it.
A saftey check should be first and foremost in determining why its driving squirlyComment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
I have a lift so I've given it a rather decent visual inspection as well as done my best to manually check the shocks, tie rods, etc. They seem OK but it's hard to be 100% sure. It has new tires. She handles fine until I hit a decent size bump or hole in the road. Which raises another question, are these old 'Vettes he's or she's ? My white coupe is definitely more of a she but this 365 hp conv with sidepipes growls too loud to be a she, unless I want to start calling her Hillary.Comment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
Assuming all the joints and control arm bushings are in decent shape, any oscillation you're getting after bumps is probably related to flabby shocks.Comment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
I tend to agree with you as they do look a little tired but seem to not have excessive movement when trying to manually bounce the front end while standing still. I'm going to start there and then take it to a front-end specialist to have it properly checked out.Comment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
David make sure the car is off of its tires on your lift.One of the best ways to check for bad ball joints is with the load off the tires.Next check the idler arm where it mounts the the frame and make sure its good,and still attached properly.Next get to your upper and lower control arm attachments and make sure they are still tight.Comment
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Could there be a frame problem?
No one else has mentioned it but could there be a frame problem that is allowing the car to flex too much?
Not an expert.
DaveComment
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Re: Could there be a frame problem?
Please don't scare me to death. I suppose anything is possible but it seems to track too well under normal driving conditions to have it be a serious frame problem. No indications of any damage to the front end from the underside. It may be ball joints though, which is bad enough. I'll know more after a visit to the pros, which I guess will be in teh not too distant future.Comment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
Check your alignment! Improper caster setting will give the same results as you have described. The shocks may or may not be able to control. You need POSITIVE caster in this car. I cannot remember how much but expect 2-4 degrees.Comment
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Re: C2 Dancing Front End
This sounds like a classic case of "cowl shake". My car did it all the time after not being regularly driven. After regular driving the shake dissapated and all that remained was the skip that occured when an overly stiff suspension failed to follow the road. The probable cause is tire deformation from storage and the shock oil moving past the seals until the shocks warm.Comment
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72 power steering
Just a heads up -with or without power steering two "alignment shops" missed the obvious. - see the 72 power steering story. michaelComment
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