59Camino
Contributor
Posts: 228
Age: 69
Loc: Medford OR
Reg: 06-06-10
|
06-11-12 05:25 PM - Post#2235964
After my mechanic replaced the front coil springs on my '59 El Camino, the nose of the car seems to be too high. I've found measurements for the rear bumper to ground clearance, but nothing for the front end.
I'm running 800x14 tires (wide whites) all around. What would be really helpful would be to get either the front bumper to ground height or better yet the distance from the ground to the bottom of the front fender wheel opening.
Here's a comparison of a 1959 advertisement and my 59 now. Notice how much of the front tire is showing in my front wheel well.
http://www.rickblack.org/ElCamino/photos/heigh t_co...
Thanks for any / all help guys.
59 Camino in El Paso
59 Camino in El Paso
|
|
 Grey
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 152
Loc: Norway
Reg: 08-02-05
|
06-13-12 02:21 AM - Post#2236494
In response to 59Camino
Following this thread for sure!
In your posted images it seems like the car in the original ad image has a slight nose down attitude and the rear end is also a tad lower that yours. Your car seems to be level all around and an inch higher. Perhaps the car in the old picture features 7.50 tires?
I remember the last time i changed springs on my camino due to a previous cut_springs_to_lower job the car´s front end was waaay up there. Never figured out why. Now the springs are cut again and once again i find myself pondering the idea of replacing lowered springs to get the original straight out of the factory ride height. I do however fear that i once again will end up with a 60s gasser stance up front.
Sooo...after some digging i found that there are different front end springs for cars with or without AC. All things beeing equal the same springs are beeing used for all engine alternatives. Isn´t a 348 considerable heavier that a 283? Also, is the only available brand moog or are there other vendors who make springs for 59s?
I also believe the front end springs will settle after some use but looking at whatever picture available from 1959 most of the cars seems pretty perfect level to me.
Sorry if i´m hijacking your thread, let me know and i´l delete. I just find the topic interesting and the ride height/stance kinda puzzles me to :-)
1959 Chevrolet ElCamino
1959 Chevrolet Biscayne
1965 Pontiac Bonneville |
|
59Camino
Contributor
Posts: 228
Age: 69
Loc: Medford OR
Reg: 06-06-10
|
06-16-12 09:53 AM - Post#2237817
In response to Grey
Any stock 1959 El Caminos out there? If so, I could use your help. Would you please send me the measurements between the wheel openings and the ground, front and rear? And let me know what size tires you're running.
The distance between the bottom of the front bumper to ground would also be helpful - I can't find that specification in original 1959 literature.
I have 8:00x14 wide whites on my '59 El Camino and although the rear end appears to be correct (the rear bumper to ground is close to the 26" shown in the literature), the front end appears too high.
Any help would be appreciated!
59 Camino in El Paso
|
 62BillT
"11th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4623
Loc: Moneta, VA
Reg: 09-24-01
|
06-16-12 08:04 PM - Post#2238044
In response to 59Camino
The height looks just fine to me. As mentioned above they will settle a bit in time.
Bill
Member:
-National Impala Association
-Vintage Chevrolet Club of America
|
|
|
Gain extra benefits by becoming a Supporting Member 
drtyler (4)
