63 SWC wheel arch height

[Rainer S.]

I just got new Diamond WW tires, Firestone 215-70/R15 and put them on to check the wheel arch height. Front arch looks OK at 25 1/2. But rear is 27".
I realize, that the tires are taller by 1/2"/dia, than the specs in the AI show (Tire dia: 25.58", actual: 26 1/4"), measured mounted on the car.
The frame in front is 7" from the floor, rear is 8".
So it looks like the front is a bit low, due to spring sag (I reused the orig springs. But the arch looks good in rel to the tires (cuts across the top of the tire by approx 1")
The rear looks it is high by approx 1", partially due to frame being higher than the front by 1".
Question: How can I lower the frame in rear and should I re-shim the body to drop it, so the wheel arch cuts across the tire like in the front?

Rainer

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

Here is the other side

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

The only legitimate ride height measurement is the "D" and "Z" dimension outlined in the service manual and AIM. They are independent of tire OD.

The OE tires were about 27.5" OD, and between new and the wear bars OD is reduced by over half an inch. Ground to fender measurments or fender to top of tire are meaningless.

Also, the car must be "rolled" some distance for the suspension to settle out, particularly the rear, and it's best to saw the steering wheel back and forth while rolling it for at least a hundred feet and then back.

Duke

[Wayne P.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

I would add that your car is missing several pounds of weight. Why not see what it look like when everything is installed? You may be able to gain a little, if you desire, with the rear spring bolts.

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

Thanks, Duke and Wayne, You are correct. Its a bit early..
Still have to add the seats and some trim, and the tank is nearly empty, too.
But I could not wait to look at the car as being "finished".
I don't know who is more excited, My Wife or I.
Looking forward to have it judged at the March Regional in Troy, Mi. and run it around the GM prooving grounds.

[John H.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

Rainer -

The Motor City Regional is May 15-18, in Novi, Michigan.

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

Oops, guess I will have to wait till May, in Novi.
Thanks, John, for the correction.

Rainer

[John D.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

Rani, If you can't make the Novi regional bring your '63 to our Pittsburgh Chapter regional in June of '08 instead. That gives you exactly another 30 days to get the car done. John

[Rainer S.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

John,
Thanks for the invite, but I should be ready for May in Novi. Especially, since it's only 20 miles from my house.
But then again, if I go to the Pittsburg event, I would get mileage credit...
I'll think about it...

Rainer

[Jack H.]

Re: 63 SWC wheel arch height

Mileage driven credit is for the actual miles you drive getting to the meet and is NOT computed by 'as the crow flies' from your home base. So, if you want a healthy mileage driven credit for the meet in Novi, go there via, say, Chicago and you'll do just fine!