66 big block

[Kent K.]

Re: you will not want to hear this but

Clem,
Is there an "easy fix" when replacing the lips?
Kent #6201

[Richard S.]

Re: 66 big block

Duke,

That is a very informative post. Thanks on behalf of all of us radial tire users.

[Carol #46113]

Re: 66 big block

Thank you Duke, the problem with what you suggested is that if my springs are sagging a little bit I'm not sure changing the cast and camber will make a difference. We've just put a lot of money into this car to get everything working and to keep it as original as possible. I don't work on it myself and if I'm not sure what the problem really is , I'm just going to leave on the bias ply tires I have on it now. At the very least ,I know they work. If I could find the 195s in a goldline radial I'd do that, otherwise I'll just leave well enough alone. Thanks again for the info.

[Gerard F.]

Re: 66 big block

Carol,

I used Duke's recommendations on mine (just looked them up), 0 camber, 1.5 to 2.0 positive caster(manual steering), 2.0 to 2.5 positive caster(p/s), front toe-in 1/32" each side. With power steering, I used the high range of the caster.

If you already have the tires, it might be an easy fix (with a little negative camber as Duke suggests).

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Clem Z.]

Re: you will not want to hear this but

i could not answer that because i never "fixed" them but i am sure there are lots of corvettes out there with "fixed" fender lips because it was a common thing to do back then.

[Duke W.]

Re: 66 big block

It's sounds like you've already thrown in the towel and will settle for a Mickey Mouse solution. What even ask for advice?

The change in fender clearance with negative camber is valid regardless of ride height.

Find a competent shop that can measure ride height and at least measure camber with a 20 dollar inclinometer. The ride height measurement procedure is in the CSM and AIM and all you need is a tape measure. Almost anybody can do this themselves.

If the camber is greater than zero, going negative will improve fender clearance. Go to an alignment shop with electronic equipment, which is virtually any shop in town.

Have them set up the equipment and record the initial measurements. Most modern alignment equipment provides a printout. Then determine a suitable camber value be along with the previously mentioned caster and toe. Also demand that they get the readings as close to equal on both sides as possible.

Changing the camber and caster is just a matter of changing the shims on the upper arm cross shaft. After caster and camber are set, then set the toe. With good equipment and a good tech this is a one hour job.

You don't need a rocket scientist to do this work, just a competent alignment tech.

Duke

[Carol #46113]

Re: 66 big block

Duke, I haven't thrown in the towel, I just haven't decided yet if I'm going to use these tires or not. My original question was if anyone knew why they didn't fit. I've gotten some great responses and I'm taking all advice into consideration. Thanks a lot for your help.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 66 big block

Carol,

Purchase a service manual for your car, as this will help answer many questions even if someone else is your mechanic. As Duke says, there is a simple procedure outlined to check the spring and ride height. If this is in spec then check camber, you can do this at home also. Is there any chance the wheels are aftermarket K/Os and the width or offset is for a later year vette? Has the car had any front end fiberglass work, I don't think tires of this size should rub by turning the wheel 1/2".

[Carol #46113]

Re: 66 big block

Thanks Tim, The tires don't clear by about a half inch when the wheel is fully turned. As you people have pointed out there could be a lot of reasons why they don't fit. Right now I"m trying to decide if I want to use them at all. Also the car hasn't been hit that I know of and it's completely stock. Once again thanks.

[Ken Edmunds]

Re: 66 big block

No disrespect to your Vette Shop but here is no such thing as an NCRS approved shop. NCRS would not be that foolish to sanction a shop.

[Carol #46113]

Re: 66 big block

My mistake Ken , it was a shop that advertised in driveline and follows NCRS rules about restorations.

[Page C.]

Re: 66 big block

Hi Carol,
Are you using the correct 5 1/2 inch X 15 JK Rims on your 1966?
Page

[Carol #46113]

Re: 66 big block

Yes Page we are. I've been told that they will rub slightly when making a sharp turn, and it's no big deal if you're careful.