Attn: C2 Vette Owners | FerrariChat

Attn: C2 Vette Owners

Discussion in 'American Muscle' started by Jerrari, Nov 10, 2003.

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  1. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    My father has a 1966 coupe that does a lot of "wandering" as you drive it. In other words, you are constantly turning the wheel back and forth to keep the car going straight. The car had a frame off resto so almost everything is new or rebuilt. My local mechanic said that the steering gear box needed to be rebuilt, so we did that and it is no better. It does not have power steering. Is it the "nature" of these old vettes to drive like that? If so, it is no fun to drive & he is going to sell it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Jerry.
     
  2. TimN88

    TimN88 F1 Veteran

    Jun 12, 2001
    5,045
    Northeast
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    Tim
    That may well be the nature of the car, but it sounds to me like it could use an alignment. One of my friends drives a C3, which ive ridden in on many a summer day, and he never said anythnig about the steering wandering, but that car has power steering and it is a newer generation (even though alot remained the same).
     
  3. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    I have a 68 C3 & a 93 C4. Yes old Vettes tend to wander, my mechanic drove a 66 & he told me it would change lanes on him going down the highway. You can probably fix it with new polymer bushings & maybe you can have a Vette specialist install a 90 something steering box. They are very good looking cars & the power is nice :)
     
  4. Mojo

    Mojo Formula 3

    Sep 24, 2002
    1,293
    Washington St.
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    Joseph
    Radial tires will make a big difference. And make sure the front end is aligned "toe in". If you change the caster angle it will also improve the handling a lot. They should NOT wonder around.

    Good luck.
     
  5. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    19,350
    The Cold North
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    Tom
    There are many componets to the Corvette steering gear. You have to check them all.
    1. check idle arm(right side of car on frame)
    2. check center link for wear.where the inner tie-rods bolt to.
    3. check center link at pitman arm at steering box for play.
    4. check both inner ant outer tie-rod ends and adjuster sleves for play as well.
    4. check both upper and lower ball joints. for play.

    Also..if the front control arems were installed on the car after the bushings were installed in the arms,on a hoist with the suspension "hanging" then the bushings could be twisting in the control arms. To fix this you need to relax the bushings in the control arms,by using a drive on ramp style hoist. Loosen the the bolts on the ends of the control arms with the full weight of the car on the suspension. This will relive the "wind-up" of the bushings.

    Also like the others have said tires and alingment will play a big roll with this problem.
     
  6. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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  7. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
    19,350
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    Tom
    #7 tbakowsky, Nov 10, 2003
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. Tennlee

    Tennlee Formula Junior

    Feb 10, 2002
    645
    Great Smoky Mountains
    You are also dealing with an old-fashioned steering box. The develop "play" in them. You can get a refurbed one from Eckler's I think.
     
  9. FerrariFrank1

    FerrariFrank1 F1 Rookie

    Aug 15, 2003
    3,887
    Chicago-Phoenix-L.A.
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    Frank
    I've owned several old Corvettes through the years.Those old steering boxes do need to be rebuilt,and filled with EXTRA HEAVY grease. That fixed mine. Gave them back a "tight" feel.
     
  10. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    Thanks a lot guys! The steering box was just rebuilt so I think an alignment is the next step, checking all specific areas listed above. I'll let you know how it comes out!!
     
  11. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Just got my plates for my 93 C4, teal on white roadster, Beautiful car. Was driving it all day yesterday. Its not a Ferrari but it is a great car :)
     
  12. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Hopefully , here is a pic of my teal Vette, Colors are very Miami :)
     
  13. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    That's a nice looking car William, but how could you go into your garage and look at your fleet and say, "hmmm....I think I'll take the Vette"? I mean I just don't see how you could give the C4 any drive time. Just curious!
     
  14. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Prett easy actually since all the Ferraris are in the shop, so is the 68 & the Lambo is getting repainted. So my choices are a Dodge Neon w no AC, the Tahoe , or the Vette. No contest :) If my 512TR road car was here I'd still drive the Vette cus its 1) a convertible in Miami 2) less risk to the 512TR which I dont use for daily driving anyways. Now when I go to the track the 512 comes out to play & for special occasions, car shows etc
     
  15. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    Just an update on the 66 Vette...the pitman arm was spinning on the steering box shaft. That is why the steering had so much play in it. We had a new one installed along w/ an alignment & it drives great! Thanks again for the suggestions.
     
  16. rob

    rob F1 Rookie

    May 22, 2002
    4,130
    Vt
    William did you buy your car from Simon Chevrolet in Woonsocket R.I.?
     
  17. JamesH

    JamesH Formula Junior

    May 11, 2001
    268
    San Carlos, Californ
    Full Name:
    James Hom
    I have a 65 vette and it goes down the road straight. Car is mostly original and never had the front end rebuild. Have the car taken to a good alignment/frame shop and have it checked out. Maybe the tires are bad or the rims are bent.
     
  18. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Yes that is my car, it rocks :)
     

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