Next to the interior the chassis was the worst aspect of this car before restoration. The chassis creaked when turning, the car wandered, it slammed over bumps, and didn't give you a lot of confidence when you drove. Well, that's all changed now. Starting with the frame itself I had huge Spohn subframe connectors welded in and the front clip was throughly stitch-welded. After that I installed NOS A-arms with PST graphite/urethane bushings, MOOG Ball Joints, Idler Arm, Drag Link, and Tie-Rod Ends with Edelbrock Adjusters. KYB Shocks/Struts/and Strut Mounts help control Eibach springs that have yet to be installed (no time). The front end then received an AGR steering pump and 12:1 steering box that connects to the steering wheel with Borgeson U-joints and a vibration dampener. The steering column also houses Astro-van bearings that replaced the OEM bushing.
The rear is a Borg-Warner 9-bolt that has been completely rebuilt with 3.73 gears by Larry's Automotive. BTW - If you are thinking about rebuilding one - learn from my mistake and just go get a Moser 12-bolt. It'll only cost about $150 more for a new unit that you can find parts for!!! Another lesson - DO NOT BUY LAKEWOOD LOWER CONTROL ARMS, buy Spohn adjustables! The Lakewoods had 1/4" difference in lenghth!!!
The front brakes are made up of new C5 Calipers with LS1 Camaro 12" rotors (to clear the 16" wheels, I'll get 13" rotors when I upgrade to 17" wheels) on modified spindles, custom caliper brackets and 1LE hoses. The rear brakes are OEM PBR units with 12" rotors, the exact set-up Baer sells for $800! I rebuilt the calipers in back, made my own hardlines for the car, installed a new '99 Camaro master cylinder from Bendix, and a new GM 1LE prop/combo valve to make it all work - which it does magnificently!!!
Sorry I don't have any pics of the parts installed. When doing this kind of work the last thing I want to do is click off pics! I'll have it on the rack soon and will get some shots then!
Page 1-Intro & History...
Page 2-Bodywork & Paint
Page 3-Interior parts & Restoration
Page 4-Stereo System
Page 5-Suspension & Brakes
Page 6-Drivetrain
Page 7-Future Restoration
Page 8-Past cars I've owned
Page 9-Pics from London trip 3/04
