Would replaceing the body mounts on my 65 convertable relieve some of the rattles ? I realize there is a certain amount of flex in any convertable, but I would think that over the years the washers deteriorate and the nuts stay in the original postion, that this would cause some of this? Any other hints? Thanks, Ray
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Re: body mounts and rattles
Ray,
I don't know if it's possible, but you could consider replacing your 'solid' mounts with the later (I believe, post-67 or later)rubber cushioned type. Other than that, I'd concentrate on making sure evenrything's properly tightenened and aligned with no points of 'rub' or contact. I have a '65 convertible as well, and it's not really that bad for rattles, except when going over fairly significant bumps (railway tracks, etc). It's also much worse with the top up. The frame and contacts at the windshield header and deck lid are the source of many rattles. BTW, sometime when you're driving it and about to cross a bump in the road, look sideways at the crack between the top rear edge of either door and the rear body and watch how much motion (flex) there is. It's a wonder it doesn't crack like an egg!
One more thing to consider: your tires and suspension system can do a lot to either accentuate rattles or minimize them. If you run modern steel-belted radials at maximum inflation and you have heavy duty shocks/springs, you can expect more rattles, because there's less compliance. Although I do have the factory 'heavy duty' 7-leaf rear spring, by front coils are stock and I'm using Delco gas shocks at all four corners. My tires are Sears (Michelin-made) Tred-loc, kevlar-belted radials, and I run them at 30 psi rather that the maximum 35.
In general, except for crossing railway tracks or potholes, the number of rattles in my car is not excessive. Good luck with improving yours!
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Re: body mounts and rattles
Your '65 has rubber cushions on the body mounts. Of the midyear models only the '63 has a solid body mounting system.
One of the biggest ride harshness factors in IRS equipped Corvettes are the rear spring link cushions. If yours are more that five years old - REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE - you should replace them.
Midyears are subject to squeaks and rattles. It's just the nature of the beast. They are typically caused by minor flexing in response to road input, and the best way to approach the problem is probably to isolate each one by using bits of rag or rubber to isolate the two components that are rubbing together in response to the minor flexing.
Replacing the body mounts is a pretty big job, and I would not take this path unless you are certain that the rubber cushions are signficantly deterioratied. You can probably visually inspect most of them with a mechanics light and mirror.
A quick shot of silicone spray lubricant can also be effective, but it's temporary and the noise will probably return, but it's an easy quick fix. You should also clean and wipe down all the rubber weather stripping with a silicon spray lubricant. As the weatherstrips age they tend to dry out which can lead to small squeaks, and a half-hour of time dedicated to cleaning and lubricating all the weather strips on an older car can do wonders.
DukeComment
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Re: body mounts and rattles
Yep, lose body mounts can definitely cause rattles. I wrestled with some annoying rattles for a long time until I retorqued my body mounts and voila! Mind you I did a body-off on this car and replace all the rubber mounts prior. Anyhow, if your mounts have deteriorated to the point of the body floating on the frame, then rattles can be the result.
Good luck
JimVComment
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Re: body mounts and rattles
Thanks guy's for your input. RayComment
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