Before I put the engine back into the car I want to make all of the necessary repairs to the rear suspension and driveline. Jump into the engine bay with me to see what's what. ratzlaffmotorco@gmail.com ratzlaffmotorco.com
Bought my first Corvair this summer, a '69 500, and need to do the same repair to it. This video will be extremely helpful in the process. Thanks for giving parts numbers. Also appreciate the dry humor! Looking forward to more vids.
Awesome job on the suspension, I like the way you clean parts and then paint them. I do the same thing, I just find it gives the parts, a nice clean appearance. 👍👍
Another great lesson in auto nostalgia! Love learning about these classic Corvairs! You make it look so simple! Wish I was your pesky next door neighbor who could bug you every time I have a repair question! And hand you tools, of course! Thanks for bringing us along! God Bless!
Looks like you’re having a lot of fun bringing this old gal back to the front. It’ll be a much better handling ride because of all that work too! The laborer is worthy of his reward! Great job.
It is called a sleeve bushing so no matter how you say it, you are right :) The trans is in good shape. You should have painted the trans pan the same as the shocks.
Just on a general note... I have run into just plain not being able to get bushings, but now that isn't a problem and one can choose hardness and even colour - as you may know. I had to re-bush all four arms on the axle on a 1964 Bonnevile and ya can forget finding those suckers. I posted a video on this about a year ago. I got the two part pour of poly goo (I chose red) and dang if that ain't the cats! When you said the bushing you got were right out of the box doomed I thought of this. I don't think I'll ever mess with pressing in bushings again. I hate to say it but if they don't come out with some ease I just burn them out and sometimes that is the only way - like I had to do with the Bonneville arms. Tricky sealing the ends so the two part goo from leaking out but I sealed it with some fiberglass resin so not to loose any. It worked so well. Just wanted to throw that out for any guys who may be facing no bushing available or just want something better. I also ran into a Honda Civic motor mount that cost $450 and I burned the old rubber and poured in the two part poly for $70. Nice work on your part as always. Bobby
dont forget the orings under the rocker arm studs or it will still leak and put your converter on the trans and bolt it to the flywheel after the engine is bolted up.making sure its free at all times.
You can get better adjustability with C4 Corvette strut rods. They're usually cheaper than rebuilt stock rods. Also, with a rebuilt suspension, you'll want to wait until the car is sitting at ride height before you tighten down those anti-sway rods that connect your trailing arm to the transmission cross member.
I am admiring all the hard work and care you are giving this Corvair. The 65' I had when I left the service in 75' for college was the same color as yours, but was a 3 speed. It was a great car and yours is bringing back many fond memories. Thank you and carry on with this project. I look forward to the next one!
Your end shot comparing the two sides says it all. Looks great. I knew you were doing a good job because you had the three main ingredients -- time, money, & frustration. Excellent! I have annoying crickets also. I don't know how they transport themselves through the walls. Perhaps they have some cricket named Scotty beaming them in??? I cannot discover how they manage to invade my inner space. I used to catch them & throw them back outside but not anymore. If I catch them ... they're a squashed bug. No chance for them to come back & reclaim territory. Also, I just love the way they throw their chirps. I hear one & head in its direction but then it chirps again & it sounds like it is somewhere else -- a different direction. Perhaps there are several working together & they're just trying to drive me bonkers. Hobos, down & out -- I got it. Way back when, my grandparents had a farm which was close to railroad tracks. Hobos stop by to do some chores for food. Good stories. Oh well, thanks for another trip down restoration lane. Take care!
The factory assembly manual will tell you where to line up your camber and toe adjustments when putting it together to get you in the ballpark at least.
I was sure you would have to lubricate your rubber bushings in order to insert them inside the metal. Is it a good idea to use petroleum jelly or wheel bearing grease on the rubber in order to make it easier to insert them and press them in to the control arms ? You've done a great job.
Why wouldn't Clark's simply spec a steel sleeve around the outside of that control arm bushing instead of asking enthusiasts to mash a rubber slug halfway through a tiny hole?
They offer a couple of different options, these rubber bushings are the factory one. I would assume that the dealer back in the day would have simply replaced the entire rod rather than monkey around with the bushings. Clarks also offers complete rods with new bushings installed. Another option is C5 or C6 Corvette rods (if forget which) that are basically adjustable Heim joints on each end.
