<VV> Corvair Handling

[Ron F Hinz]

Items 2 and 4 are probably the ones to look at in this case.
RonH

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rick Loving" <ral1963@earthlink.net>
To: <virtualvairs@corvair.org>
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 7:40 AM
Subject: RE: <VV> Corvair Handling


> There are several things that will make vair "dartly" at speed.
> 1. improper tires pressure
> 2. Improper alignment
> 3. Lack of a front airdam
> 4. worn bushings/steering componets
>
> Looks like you solved the tire pressure problem and feel the bushings
> and steering linkage is good.  I would say have the alignment checked,
> as even the sightest bit of toe out or uneven setting side to side will
> cause the car to be really squirrelly.  Check you front tires for uneven
> wear or scrub on the inside or outside edge on one tire more than the
> other.
>
> My alignment recommendations for casual street driving are
>
> FRONT TIRES
> CAMBER =0 positive
> TOE IN = 1/8 IN overall
> CASTER = 2.5 deg Positive
>
> REAR TIRES
> CAMBER = .5 Negative
> TOE IN = 1/16 each (1/8 overall)
>
> And for more spirited driving style
>
> FRONT TIRES
> CAMBER = .5 Negative
> TOE IN = 1/8 IN overall
> CASTER = 4 deg Positive
>
> REAR TIRES
> CAMBER = 1 Negative
> TOE IN = 1/16 each (1/8 overall)
>
> The toe is important as it affects the "darting" the most.
>
> If you have a pre 66, without airdam, get the 66-69 front airdam it
> makes the front end a lot more stable.  Also move the spare to the front
> and only move it to the back if you need to use the trunk.
>
> Rick Loving
>
> PS. Part of you visual inspection should be jacking front of the car up
> and while you watch the steering components from underneath, have
> someone turn the wheel slowly right to left. Everything should move at
> the same time, and parts moving before the other means the bushings are
> not in top shape.
>
>
>  <SNIP>
> I bought my "new" vair last spring I almost killed myself the first time
> I drove it on the highway.  The front end was drifting all over the
> place -- so much so that I slowed down to 45 mph and even then was
> stressing a bit (normally no big deal, but I just happened to be driving
> it home in St. Louis 270 rush hour traffic).  I checked the tire
> pressure -- sure enough, 32# all around.  I dropped the front to around
> 18# and the back to around 28#...but I still find it a bit drifty,
> especially under hard acceleration (well, it has been a few months since
> it has been accerated at all, but I am hoping to have it back on the
> road this weekend with the generous help of Bob Bauer)...so I a!
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