[NoVa-Corvairs] Stuff's about to get real.

[Bryan Blackwell]

I like the idea of a requirements driven plan, here are some opinions that may help (inline).

On Aug 31, 2013, at 5:11 PM, daniel at danielgoldberg.net wrote:

> (1) The suspension on my Corvair is scary-bad.  Virtually every bushing, front and back, is rotted and needs replacing.  Do I go with stock rubber replacements or upgrade to polyurethane?  My goal is to have a Corvair that handles at least as well as it did when it was a new car, which means that I don't mind making sensible upgrades to ensure safety, reliability, and comfort.  I do not intend to auto-x my Corvair.

Poly bushings are nice, but they tend to squeak from what I've read and of course pass more impact.  The stock bushings are pretty good when they're new.  If I were to pick and choose, the two most significant ones to change out are the front and rear lower control arms.  One alternative on the rear is a nylon inner and rubber outer, a lot of people like that.
> 
> (2) Keeping in mind (1) above, what type of shocks should I go with?

I'd probably get Clark's HD Gabriel Red Ryders.  I like firm but not brutal shocks.
> 
> (3) Keeping in mind (1) and (2) above, is there any reason to invest in quick steering arms / steering box?

I personally really dislike the stock slow steering, but the quick arms do give some funky Ackerman.  I also like the idea of a new steering box.  Somewhere along the line the wagon is getting a new Flaming River quick box, I drove a late with one and it was mahhhvehlous.  I've been told it needs re-adjusting prior to installation.
> 
> (4) Does anybody have any experience with the aftermarket 140 ball-bearing linkage kit someone named Husband or Parent makes?  (I'm too lazy to Google his name.)
> 
No, but I have installed both new carb shafts and the cross shaft bearing blocks to good effect.  I like the more predictable idle and smoother throttle engagement.  The ball bearing setup sounds really nice.

--Bryan