Hi everyone. Inherited my grandfather's 70 Skylark sedan and I'm in the process of updating it to make it into a fun cruiser to take to car shows and for charity/fun runs. I've gotten a lot of good info from here already prior to getting approved, and had Fastlane in STL do the heavy lifting getting the car back into driving condition. Mods so far are faster ratio steering box, 4 wheel disc brakes, sway bars, and new wheels and tires. Only major things left are stereo and getting the underdash AC repaired/replaced, and I'll be asking some questions on what y'all have done here once I get the car home. Until then, wanted to ask if there is a particular shock you all like to help with the remaining float I experienced on the interstate on my "test" drive (stock springs), as well as if y'all found a way to add some resistance/weight to the steering at highway speeds (she's a little twitchy/darty)? I'm thinking a slight toe adjustment to the front wheels may help if there isn't a mechanical "fix". Thanks for having me! Here's how she looks currently.
Welcome! KYB is my choice for a shock. The alignment specs used in the 70's are really bad - search here for better ones!
Welcome from Florida! I'll second the KYB suggestion. Alignment, too. More positive caster seems to help a little.
Welcome from Kentucky! Replacing the worn out shocks on my GS is one of the best upgrades I ever made. ( body mounts is the other)
Thanks everyone. The shop installed some Monroes or similar, which are fine I guess, but if the KYBs have better valving and firm things up, that's perfect. I'll also search for better alignment specs here. I don't know if they changed the body mounts, but I'll ask them before picking the car up as that's something I can't do at home easily. Thanks again!
What'd you notice w/the body mount change? I'm doing a sorta "fix-up" (not a resto I keep telling myself) on my Stage 1 so I can enjoy driving it while I work on the basket cases & didn't want to open that body mount can of worms but convince me I should.
On alignment specs. Go for as much positive caster as you can get. + 2* to +6* if possible. 0* on camber +or- a 1/4* In the middle on toe. Tom T.
The new body mounts got rid of a lot of squeaks, made for a much better (smoother) ride, and made the alignment of doors and fenders correct. My body mounts were toast. They were flat and crumbled like a cookie.
