1957 Front Suspension

[Bruce B.]

After driving my 57 #809 for a few years I am now in the restoration process. When I removed the front suspension there were no aluminum shims present. The car drove fine even with the bias ply tires. I have a set of shims and my question is should i install them? I understand they increase caster but are they necessary from a allignment or safety standpoint?
Thanks in advance.

[Dennis C.]

If only out of respect for ZAD, I'd install them.

I believe that was one of his early changes to the C1 chassis to improve handling. I would think it would be easier to align to spec with them installed. A little surprised someone would remove them, but ???

[Mike M.]

Re: If only out of respect for ZAD, I'd install th

agree with the dipstick. they were there originally and the car will handle better with them in place, although makin a c-1 handle like a c-4 up isn't gonna happen short of repacing the c-1 suspension with the later c-4 up front suspension(which is heresy in this neck of the woods).Zora will rest easier in heaven tonite, if you use them, as they were his inovation. mike

[Don Y.]

Re: If only out of respect for ZAD, I'd install th

Bruce, The purpose of the shims was to tilt the kingpins rearward increasing positive caster. With higher positive caster the weight of the car will help keep the steering on center and aid in return to center after cornering. The shims were installed to address some handling concerns noted with the earlier C-1's, I would install them for sure.
Don Yesacavage

[Wayne W.]

Re: If only out of respect for ZAD, I'd install th

Sorry, Zora wasnt the first. Old cars used them in the very early days.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1957 Front Suspension

The shims are on the car.
Thanks for the input.
Bruce B.