Body to ground Clearance Specs - 1970

[Clark E.]

The body was just reinstalled on the frame and the clearance appears to be approx. 2 inches higher than before removal, especially in the rear. The same rear suspension (refinished) is being used. The drivetrain is not installed but doubt this impacts the rear height significantly.

I'd appreciate receiving the correct front/rear clearance specs and any comments relating to this situation. Car is a 350/300 4 spd air roadster. Thanks...Clark Erlandson

[Terry M.]

Re: Body to ground Clearance Specs - 1970

1) have you rolled the car 50 feet of so? The rear tires will not like to be pushed straight sideways when you apply weight to the chassis -- but that is what you are asking them to do if you do not move the car some distance after weight is put on it.

2) You may be surprised how much weight the engine and transmission puts on the rear.

3) The ride height specifications and how to measure them are in your copy of the 1970 AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) and in the CSM (Chevroelt Service Manual).

[Clark E.]

Re: Body to ground Clearance Specs - 1970

Many Thanks Terry...I won't "panic" until (1) and (2) in your message are complete and will check the manuals for the clearance specs...Clark

[Jerome P.]

Re: Body to ground Clearance Specs - 1970

The drive train (engine, tranny assembly,etc) will impact the clearance. Best guess up to - 2"

[Kenn S.]

Re: Body to ground Clearance Specs - 1970

Agreed. I've rebuilt that very engine, without the air. A full long block will weigh in at 500lbs. An M20 isn't that weighty but will add some. If you have a TH400, then you can expect another 130lbs or so. That kind of weight will definitely settle the car down. Less engine and M20, my car sprang up a good 2", at least (but that's a 20-year old memory).

Definitely no need to panic yet.

[Joseph M.]

Re: Body to ground Clearance Specs - 1970

When we did a body off on my 70 and reinstalled it back on the frame it looked like a mud buggy. As we added parts/gas and drove the car it settled nicely to factory specs. If you used an aftermarket leaf spring you could have a ride height issue as many of the ones I have seen rode 1-2 inches high. If you used original parts and installed everything correctly you won't have an issue, just remember not to tighten fastners until the car is on the ground to prevent any binding.