Suspension System
In this segment, Mark Lambert services the suspension system on the 1962 Corvette, replacing or repairing any worn or damaged parts parts. Shocks, coil springs, leaf springs and sway-bars are among the components included in the servicing of the suspension system. Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgraded kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.
Materials:
Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, etc.)
Replacement bearings, races and seals
Power wrench
Replacement sway-bar link bushings and washers
Replacement shocks, bushings and washers
Wire brush
Automotive grease
Duct tape
Chassis spray-paint
Respirator mask
Eye protection
Sway-Bar Bushings
- During the initial test-drive of the Corvette, a few problems were detected with respect to the front suspension including a slight knock whenever the car hits a road bump. This problem is likely related to worn out bushes on the sway-bar links (figure A).
- In order to replace the old bushings, the sway-bar links are removed by loosening and removing the bottom nut (figure B), top nut, bushing retainer, and the bottom bush, then popping the sway-bar link out.
- The old bushings show signs of severe wear (figure C), and probably had been since the 1970s.
- The old bushings are replaced with new urethane bushings (figure D) which will last much longer than the old type.
- Load the sway-bar link with a new washer and bushing, put the link back in place, and add the upper bushing, washer and top nut (figure E). Don't tighten the top nut just yet, but proceed to the lower end of the link.
- Install the bushings, washers and nut on the lower end of the sway-bar link, thread the bottom nut on the bolt, and -- while pushing down from the top -- tighten the lower nut (figure F).
- Now, go back and tighten the top nut.
- Repeat the same steps on the other side of the vehicle.
Front Shock-Absorbers and Coil Springs
- The front shocks were worn out and needed replacing. Once the shocks were removed, it was noted that the shock-absorber bushings had been installed upside-down (figure G), thereby defeating the shock-absorbing process. The old shock was completely dead.
- For replacing the shocks, re-load the new shock with a new bushing, making sure to install the bushing so that it's oriented properly (figure H).
- Before installing the new shock, use a steel-bristle brush to clean rust and debris off the coil springs (figure I).
- Once the springs have been cleaned thoroughly, give them a spray-paint coating with some heavy-duty chassis paint.
- Install the new shock up through the coil spring and through the top-mount (figure J).
- Secure the bottom of the shock, and add a new bushing and washer on top of the top-mount bracket, and secure it with a nut.
- Using a power-wrench, tighten the shock at the bottom until the rubber bushing at the top is compressed to about the same diameter as the washer (figure K).
- Using a power-wrench, secure the bottom bracket (figure L) to complete the front-shock installation.
- Repeat the steps on the other side.
Rear Shock-Absorbers and Leaf Springs
- The rear shocks on the Corvette remain in fairly good shape, probably because rear shocks on this vehicle are under far less strain than the front shocks. The leaf-springs adjacent to the rear shocks (figure M) exhibit corrosion that can contribute to a stiff, rough ride.
- Clean rusty leaf-springs using an electric wire brush (figure N) to remove the worst of the rust, and a hand-brush to remove any remaining dirt or residue.
- Paint the leaf springs with a good coat of black chassis-paint to protect them from road-grime and rust.
- Once the chassis-paint has dried, lubricate the leaf springs. Apply automotive grease to the leaf springs, making sure to work the grease as well as possible between the separate layers (figure O).
- In the old days, leaf-springs were lubed by wrapping them in steel or leather gaiters. Though that technique is no longer used, a similar method can still be effective at lubricating thoroughly between the leaves. Once the automotive grease has been applied, wrap the leaf-springs in duct tape (figure P), sealing the grease inside. The duct-tape sleeve is left on the springs for a while to help work the grease between the layers as the car is driven.
- Drive with the home-made gaiters on the vehicle for a few weeks, then remove the duct tape and thoroughly clean the outside of the springs so that the grease doesn't attract road grime.
In the episode that follows, work continues on the Corvette platform with the exhaust system, brakes, wheels and tires.
RESOURCES :
Corvette Black Book : 1953-2001
Model: 0933534477
Author: Michael Antonick
Corvette: The American Legend
Model: 0785343741
Author: Consumer Guide Editors
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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