Rear End Alignment, Stabilizer Bars, Shocks & More

Ty came over on Friday and finished the alignment on the rear end. If you look past the shock tower and past the (left) control arm you will see several of the shims he installed. Unlike the original shims these are stainless steel. This is the right control arm. Shims were installed on both sides of the neoprene control arm bushings.

Ty also refurbished and installed the rear torsion bar on Friday.

1965 was the first year a Corvette came with a rear torsion bar. Although the 63 model did not have a torsion bar it was common practice to have one installed simply because it offered exceptional handling performance. It's hard to believe that a 3/8" torsion bar could do so much. Although it's not period correct it is an era modification that I am OK with.

A close up view of the same area.

The front torsion bar was also installed. This is a 7/8" bar sold only with the hi-performance package. The standard size was 3/4".

The rolling chassis is surprisingly close to completion. The gas tank will be next followed by the drive shaft. If my nephew James comes out for Cool Desert Nights we will most likely fire up the engine at that time. James is attending Michigan Tech for his Mechanical Engineering degree and he and several of his classmates have expressed interest in this motor. I think as a good uncle it's only appropriate he gets first honors. I know, I am a nice guy.

And look who's back. I dug this out from under the tarp and made a spot for it in the garage. This picture was taken yesterday morning and since then it has been fully block sanded from the spring line up and is ready for more primer.

This area desperately needs a coat of primer and it might happen today. Stay tuned.

Brakes, Clutch, Rear End, etc

This is a video. Be sure to push the play button (triangle)

Rolling Chassis

This picture was taken on 9-11-1999 when Dennis S. had the body removed from his newly obtained requisition. It took 8 people to lift the body off of the chassis. The body had never been removed prior to this date. Dennis S. recorded the number of body shims at each location to help with the reattachment at a later date.

This is the rolling chassis, same day, in 1999 prior to any restoration.

By early 2001 Dennis S. had sand blasted and repainted the frame. Power steering, front coils, the differential and the rear leaf springs had been replaced with parts from a 1975 L82 Corvette. The rolling chassis received new bushings, brakes, stainless steel brake lines and associated connectors. (If I missed something Dennis please be sure to let me know.)

During the same period the 350 engine, bell housing, transmission, and rear end from the 1975 L82 Corvette were installed. Note the rags stuffed in the intake and exhaust ports. Shortly afterward the entire assembly was put into storage.

8 years later, March 2009, Dennis pulled back the covers, took this picture, then sent it to me for my information. Note the rags in the intake and exhaust ports. Although the rolling chassis will require dis assembly, it is very sound and in excellent condition. It's still amazing though how caustic the Hawaiian air can be on carbon steel.