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 Post subject: 1969 camaro Handling
PostPosted:Mon Mar 18, 2019 2:18 pm 
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Small Block

Joined:Thu Feb 07, 2019 12:28 pm
Posts:28
Car Details:N/A - ATM
Just a quick one if I may.
Now I know 60's American cars are not especially good at going round corners.
But the Camaro I just purchased with my Dad has some very interesting handling traits.

Even on a straight road it is almost impossible to keep the car straight.
You are constantly having to adjust the steering to keep it going straight.
The car feels quite unstable and constantly active and moving.

My first thought is to have the tracking and geometry checked and set.

The previous owner said it's always been like this and smooths out at about 70MPH.

Is this a common trait of a 69 Camaro or am I looking at jacking it up and checking all the suspension?
I ask because in comparison, my 1965 Mustang runs straight as an arrow and feels really well planted and gives lots of confidence to throw it into corners. (And yes, it is 100% original and stock).
And on a motorway or straight road, you could almost take your hands off the wheel knowing it will carry on going in the same direction.

Anyone got any thoughts or suggestions on this?

Thanks all.


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1969 camaro Handling

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 Post subject: Re: 1969 camaro Handling
PostPosted:Mon Mar 18, 2019 9:01 pm 
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Big Block
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Joined:Sat Jun 28, 2014 6:55 pm
Posts:808
Location:Croxley Green, Hertfordshire
Yes, it's fecked! Never heard of anything that straightens out at 70mph before though, seems something is wrong somewhere I would get it up in the air and check the obvious suspects first and while it's up there get the tape measure out just to check it isn't crooked, they do handle like a bit of a barge but should go in a straight line, possibly has a "rag joint" on the steering which would be a suspect if its original

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1997 30th Anniversary SS SLP
1993 GMC Typhoon


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 Post subject: Re: 1969 camaro Handling
PostPosted:Mon Mar 18, 2019 9:29 pm 
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Big Block

Joined:Wed Jul 15, 2009 6:48 pm
Posts:493
Car Details:68 pontiac firebird coupe project car,my aim is a street friendly,lightly modified pro.touring style.
Lowered ,mild body mods,400 cu in SBC engine, Muncie 4speed, 10 bolt posi axle,disc front drum rear.
68 firebird convertible ( long term project) Stock resto/mod style ,400 pontiac th350
You need to go back to basics and check out the steering and suspension .
1st is it stock or is it modified?
If modified are the parts fitted correctly?
Does it have a rear anti-roll bar ? the wrong bar on the back without a matching front bar will make a 1st gen car have oversteer and feel very skittish.
Check all your steering linkage ball joints and rag joint on the steering,
Also if the rubber mounts on our subframe are old /perished the whole front can wobble under power and braking.
Once all the ball joints are OK and the subframe is solidly mounted get the caster/camber aligned- it should be set close to factory setting for road use.


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 Post subject: Re: 1969 camaro Handling
PostPosted:Mon Mar 18, 2019 9:55 pm 
Offline
Small Block

Joined:Thu Feb 07, 2019 12:28 pm
Posts:28
Car Details:N/A - ATM
Cool, thanks all.
I am sure it is just a rogue issue with a dodgy joint or something astray in the steering.
Just wanted to be sure it wasn't a common trait.
I've a few small bits of work to do on it and It's on the ramp ready to lift and check.
I'm pretty certain the shell and chassis rails are all straight. I tooth combed the car when checking it out.

I will report back with my findings.

Also, the power steering is super light. My Mustang doesn't have power steering. I wasn't quite expecting that.
Ha, it's all a good learning curve.

I've also driven a lot of cars, new and old.
I have to say, I think this is the third fastest car I've ever driven after a couple of Lambo's I have driven. The power is sensational.
Makes my Mustang feel like a shopping car.


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 Post subject: Re: 1969 camaro Handling
PostPosted:Tue Mar 19, 2019 11:27 am 
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Big Block
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Joined:Sat Jun 28, 2014 6:55 pm
Posts:808
Location:Croxley Green, Hertfordshire
I shall reserve my comments about mustang vs chevy :-)

_________________
1997 30th Anniversary SS SLP
1993 GMC Typhoon


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