Finally got the Viking coilovers, UMI upper control arms, and wheels on. Haven't driven it yet as the rear tires are rubbing on the inner fender. Plan to machine the mounting flange down tomorrow. When it's time to order tires again I will go with a 30 rear tire instead of a 35, they look too much bigger than the fronts for my taste as they sit.
Grum.Man, I like the look of it! I also think the stance is good as well. I was wondering if you would share the stats on the wheel/tire combo and the suspension? Which springs, shocks, wheel size, back spacing, and make and model, plus whatever info you don't mind sharing on it. I'm looking at putting 15x8 with 5 inches of back spacing on the back of my 65 Skylark and running 275/75R15's, but I haven't figured out what to run on the front yet. I like your wheel choice they look good! Thanks, Doug
Doug, the wheels are Vision 143 Torque wheels 20x9.5 5.25 BS rear, 18x8.5 4.5 BS front. Tires are Mikey Thompson 265/35-20 and 245/40-18. Rear springs are stock sagged springs. Front is Viking double adjustable coilovers with UMI .9" raised baljoint upper control arms. The front is sitting about an inch lower than the stock springs that were worn out. My guess is 2-3" lower than new stock springs. Replaced the lower control arms with Stock replacements and installed energy suspension sway bar links. If ordering the same rear wheels you will need 5.5 BS as mine rub at 5.25.
Thanks! Obviously I would have loved a 2 door but for me the 4 door cars are so much cheaper to purchase it just made more sense. I pick up the 455 tomorrow so next phase will be under way before I even get the tires dirty.
I have noticed more 4drs being built, in many forms, lately. Cheaper to buy and the sleeper effect are two major draws.
Got the wheels machined today. I was only comfortable taking 1/8" off but that was enough to clear the fenders. I get an ever so slight rub over really big bumps. If it becomes a problem I will have to take a hammer to the inner fender. As for the Vikings, I am shocked at how good they rode. They feel just as compliant as the stock springs but without the floating. I have them set for the recommended comfort cruise mode. With the umi uppers the front end tracks much better and I can tell the rear is now the hold back. I didn't get any noticeable nvh from the rod ends that I feared. Now just got to double check the bolts, and grease all the ball joints.
Very nice. Keep the info coming, we can add it to the collective knowledge needed for our early A bodies. I just installed a jeep grand Cherokee steering box in mine to tighten up the steering.
Looks good, I've been working on my 4door for 8 years and it's still in many pieces. I have a old thread on here in the pro touring section somewhere.
There is a guy in Colorado who built a 65 Chevelle 4 door. He runs it in the Good Guys autocross every year. Does quite well. Neat car. Tim
loving the look of the 4-door and the stance is perfect! I've been trying to find a decent combo for the setup on my 66 special and just can't nail down what I want to do yet. Too many options for this old brain to get wrapped around.
Thanks for all the compliments. I am trying to find some ways to add some sportiness to it. Some sort of stripe, splitter, or spoiler. Was thinking red corvette style GS stripes on the fender. I know it's not right for the car, but it's still "GS". Also thought about doing stripes like the 67 GS 340. Any photo shop pros that could help me out would be appreciated.
I'm a little confused about where the wheels/tires were hitting. You have a 9.5" wheel with 4.25bs and it's hitting the inner fender in the rear? It would seem to me it would hit more with a 5.5" backspace......or was it hitting on the inside of the 1/4 itself? I have have a set of billet specialties 9.5/5.5 bs wheels and with the 4"+ it won't fit under my 66 special. I can't use anything more than 3.5" to the outside without clearance issues. Maybe I'm just not seeing this right...........man I love that 4dr!