"youshiftem" (torinosport302)
05/25/2016 at 14:33 • Filed to: None
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"youshiftem" (torinosport302)
05/25/2016 at 14:33 • Filed to: None | 16
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There are a few tricks to enjoying a 60’s muscle car to it’s full potential. That story on the front page from the reader who sold his father’s GTO made me realize the little things I do to my older cars to make them even more enjoyable to drive every day.
1. Pitman arm
For whatever reason almost all of that generation of car eats pitman arms. I’ve seen “fully restored” cars with new balljoints and tie rods but no one will want to pull the pitman arm. An 80’s Monte Carlo steering box (about $40) will make it even better with its quick ratio but at the bare minimum the pitman arm should be replaced to get rid of that “dump truck” feeling.
2. 17” wheels with decent radial tires.
Nothing fancy, just a light aftermarket 17” wheel and some decent 245/50R17 Michelin A/S3 tires will make a world of difference.
3. Proper alignment
Throw the stock alignment specs out the window, I have found that these work best on my GM A and G bodies. Other cars may differ slightly but the concept is the same: more caster, slight negative camber and a slight toe-in.
Caster: +2.5 deg
Camber -0.5 deg
Toe-in: 1/16”
4. BLEED YOUR BRAKES!
These cars sit for a long time with poor master cylinder covers and then people complain about brake fade. Well when your brake fluid is half water and boils immediately that’s whats going to happen. You can use a dot 4 if you see any track time.
5. Gearing
This is the most expensive one but also the most important to live with the car everyday. Everyone wanted a drag car back in 1969 so they all had 3.73:1 or higher rear ends with no overdrive. Put in something like a 2.32:1 gear in. The gear is cheap and any transmission shop will put it in for a couple hours labor. Then you can drive it on the highway!
So you’re probably in for another $1500 on the car but in my opinion it’s well worth it to enjoy these old cars.
I have lots more tips to make these cars better if you guys are interested in spending a little more money,
Let me know!
DutchieDC2R
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 14:40 |
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I replied to it stating that the people that responded to the original article, come across as a bunch of whiners. They’re complaining about older cars in a way like they’re modern, new cars. Ugly dash, rough steering, bad brakes. They’re 10+ year cars, what do you expect?....
crowmolly
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 14:41 |
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For low-buck I’d include improved pads/shoes/rotors/drums.
Not a $1300 Baer kit, or even a power swap. But a few bucks towards modern quality parts can go a long way.
Hell, even braided flex hoses can help!
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 14:44 |
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I would agree with most of this except the 17" wheels. That little bit of softness in handling with 15"s isn’t a big negative unless you’re trying to actually do some kind of tracking, and having more sidewall can help paper over any questionable points in the original suspension. This is one modernizing step that may be a step too far.
On the pittman arm issue - it’s worth note that the earlier first-gen Mustangs offer no excuse for bad bushings anywhere in the mix, as the rod end for the steering box side is on the link. Nothing has to be pulled off of anything else with any special tools, and the fixit parts are cheap.
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youshiftem
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
05/25/2016 at 14:45 |
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Fair enough, i do track mine and appreciate the stiffer sidewall. At least get some radials!
lone_liberal
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 14:50 |
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I think Step 1 is an attitude adjustment. You’re driving a car that almost qualifies for AARP membership. It’s not going to drive like a late model car, but that can be a good thing too. As far as fixes go putting in a modern transmission can ease the gearing issue without losing the acceleration that those drag racing gears give you.
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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 14:55 |
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Bias plies are for classic luxury and offroaders. Maybe a middling family car if you’re being authentic for some odd reason. Anyone putting them on straight muscle later than about ‘61 is a juggins.
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youshiftem
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
05/25/2016 at 14:59 |
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I see it far too often...
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crowmolly
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 15:04 |
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What I tend to see very often, especially at cruise nights, are radials that are way past the date. Sometimes decades old. Since the cars get such low mileage the tires don’t wear out but they are cracked like the Mojave desert.
Die-Trying
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 15:13 |
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giving attention to the wiring...... some of these old cars have been absolutely HACKED up. that and over the years, alternator, and battery problems can be hard on the wires, vibration, rats.
its a cold feeling to be flying down a country road, and everything goes dark.
its worth a bit of extra time to check the wiring for burnt, fatigued spots, than to send the car up in smoke.
#2 Fire extinguisher(decent size that covers electric fires and chemical) , for all the other stuff that can happen.
vondon302
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 15:14 |
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Thank you kind sir. I read that and thought PITMAN ARM!
BigBlock440
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
05/25/2016 at 15:16 |
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No way, can’t get that sidewall wrinkle with radials.
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BigBlock440
> DutchieDC2R
05/25/2016 at 15:18 |
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I drove a Model T once, it was horrible. It didn’t even have air conditioning, and the brakes were terrible.
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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> BigBlock440
05/25/2016 at 15:20 |
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Okay, fine. Classic luxury, offroaders, authentic general classics, AND DRAG CARS.
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DutchieDC2R
> BigBlock440
05/25/2016 at 15:27 |
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Whiner!!!..:P
RallyWrench
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 16:32 |
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That car is badass. I’d only add to make sure the carburetor is properly setup and jetted for your altitude and any mods the engine may have.
Sector 7G-Wagen
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 17:50 |
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Great post and awesome car. As an owner of a ‘55 Bel Air, I would add sway bars and suspension bushings to that list as well. New bushings can be had for minimal cost and can take a good deal of slop and play out of the steering and handling, especially if your classic ride still has its Nixon-era rubber. New rubber if you are a purist and/or are on a strict budget, poly if you don’t mind a bit more firmness and like the idea of ultimate longevity for a bit more coin. Sway bars front and rear can be a bit pricey but improved the handling on my shoebox tremendously.
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youshiftem
> Sector 7G-Wagen
05/25/2016 at 18:15 |
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Absolutely, the big girl above has all poly bushings and Hotchkis sway bars front and rear. They definitely make a huge difference.
shop-teacher
> youshiftem
05/25/2016 at 23:09 |
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Good tips!
The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
> RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
05/26/2016 at 19:11 |
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That’s Mr. Juggins to you! Though to be fair it is a luxury Cutlass Supreme and not a 442, nor is it daily driven. But mmm they look so appropriate.
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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
05/26/2016 at 19:18 |
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It *is* one of the easier ways to get tall section tires that are the right shape and/or whitewall. You’re still a juggins. The cool kind.