Handling problem

[R.Grimm]

Hi. I would appreciate some tips/suggestions on improving the way my 63 SS (with a 409) handles. I know the 'bob-dip-weave' complaint is a common one for these cars, but I'd like to improve the way the car handles and I'm sure there are some of you out there with these Impalas that have found some answers for this problem.

I have some new 'old school' hydraulic shocks on the front. The tie rods, ball joints, etc are new.

I've put new front springs on--the correct ones for the 409's extra weight.

There are relatively new Monroe-matic sensitracs shocks on the rear end. Maybe I should replace them with hydraulic shocks. (??)

Someone suggested a sway bar on the rear end. If any of you have tried that and it helped, what was the cost and where did you get it from? I've heard they cost about $250. Are they worth the $$ ?

Another guy suggested checking the front end alignment..

I have Cooper radial tires all around. They're almost new--but maybe they are not good tires?? Right now I suspect anything and everything.

Looking for some help because the car can seem unsafe at times in my opinion.
Thank you! Any help will be most appreciated. Ron

[SS425HP]

Ron, the problem is you are comparing an old sailing ship with a new liner that has stabilizers on it. Back then, we thought they drove really nice. Compared to today, they are fat cows. Look at the stabilizer bars from then, compared to now. Today's stabilizers are twice as thick. The cars are lower. They just are way better today. You have to just get used to it.

[rwagon57]

There are a number of ways to go here, but start with the basics.

1. Check tire pressures and make sure they are at the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

2. Inspect all of the suspension components: upper and lower control arms front and rear for cracks, bent parts, damaged, deteriorated, or missing:eek: bushings or fasteners.

3. Do the same for the shocks.

4. Do the same for the front sway bar.

I suspect that most likely you have worn out bushings and ball joints. Replacing these with OEM style rubber bushings and new ball joints coupled with an alignment will help, but it will still have the old school floater ride handling.

Options to improve start with using polyurethane bushings instead of rubber, better shocks, and a bigger front sway bar. Then you could add a rear sway bar, and at the high end go to somebody like Hotchkiss who makes complete upgrade kits with new control arms front and rear, upper and lower, springs, etc.

This will range from a few bucks to thousands of bucks depending on what you want. The more you spend, the more sporting or aggressive the handling will be if you use an integrated approach matching all the components with complimentary parts.

[raymar58454]

Now Fred if we did that with our issues we wouldn't need this site and then what would Bob do to stay out of trouble?:rolleyes:
Ray

[bobs409]

I don't know about you guys but I'd rather have "body roll" than drive a new car. :D

Cars are better today? Not in my book. :rofl

[models916]

I read this somewhere. Radial tires roll under a couple of degrees and change the caster from spec. You need to add at least 2 degrees of positive caster if you are running radial tires on a bias ply spec car. 2 degrees will increase the effort on the steering wheel a bit and make it feel more modern. I am planning on doing this soon and have bought the alignment tool to do it.

[dq409]

Welcome Grimm !!

I`m going to disagree with most of you here,,

I can set my `62`s suspension to ride any way I like !!

I can stiffen her up to ride like a road coarse car or loosen her up for the strip !!
Or anywhere in between !!

HOW???? Adjustable QA-1 shocks !!!!!

Yes, they are a bit spendy but the ride is unbelievable stable without being harsh !!
Little to no roll when the shocks are set a tad over half even with the way the `62 sits with the back up a bit.
I also have the air bags installed inside the rear spring with poly bushings.

I`ve had passengers comment on "how do you get this old brick to drive so nice" ???

The QA-1`s are very easy to adjust and can be done without jacking up the low front end on my car.
They have a nice sized adjustment knob that makes it a snap !!
They also are a life time shock that can be rebuilt if necessary. ,,,dq

[Tic's60]

I'll be nabbing me a set of those! Damm $$$$ but excellent shocks

Go get'em

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Used-QA-1-Stocker-Stars-Fits-many-GM-rear-TCI1661P_W0QQitemZ150019734207QQihZ005QQcategoryZ1 07061QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[dq409]

[QUOTE=Tic's60]I'll be nabbing me a set of those! Damm $$$$ but excellent shocks

Go get'em

QUOTE]

That a steal !!
Try this link,,, Good people !!
http://www.naake.com/

http://www.naake.com/stocker_star.html Use the 55-57 Chevy shocks,,

Or you could have these puppies on the rear !!!:cheers

These are in a box in my garage,,want them :deal

[4speedman]

I used a 1 inch front swaybar with poly bushings and could not believe how much better the car handled.I then installed the rear swaybar and it was even better but i think the front swaybar was about 90 percent of the improvement.I bought mine from classic performance products.

[jim_ss409]

I also got the 1" front and rear sway bars and like 4speedman said the car handles great.