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Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to use?

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F

fireinc

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Howdy all, finally hoping to address some things,

A friend is advocating that I shim my front shocks to improve predictable handling (pulling the tops of the tires inward slightly as I understand). What is the optimum height/thickness for this mod and is it commercially avaiable as a "shim", or how best to make them, AND,

My '68 Sprite currently has no (zero) sway bar. I was of a mind to get an upgraded one anyway. What is the best size/source for one? I ain't afraid of a harsh ride at all (the better to keep wifey out of it ;-), I want the thing to corner like the proverbial slot racer - heck I want it to know what I'm thinking... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif It's had, and I expect to renew/replace 195/60 R13's (on Vega Rims & the Sprite has widend fenders already).

Panhard (sp?) rod? Is it worthwhile and worth the $$$?

Thanks!

Edward G.
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Shimming shocks? I wouldn't do it. It moves the pivot point inwards and causes variable cambe that makes handling more unpredictable. Just my opinion.
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

I prefer a 3/4" sway bar. Though they do make a 7/8 and I had it but that was a bit too much for the street.
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

instead of shimming the lever arms, better to use an offset trunion kit like this:

https://www.petermayengineering.com/ (item 1.14)

As for the anti-sway bar, 9/16" was stock on my car (1975). I'm probably going to go 3/4" but the prefered bar seems to vary between 5/8" - 3/4" depending on application. Most people consider 3/4" a practical maximum.

As for the panhard rod, I'll add one eventually but I would recommend spending money first on replacing any worn bushings or suspension/steering components. If the stock stuff isn't in perfect shape you're not going to get the results you want.
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

btw, post some pics of your car, it sounds neat!
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Okay 68

Street use? Wires, work already done?

Let us know and we can answer.

Patrick
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Thanks for the replies guys, more about the Sprite:

'68 last registered in '80. Had been stored inside back of a shop in meanwhile w/stuff piled on it. Picked it up last year (of all times WHILE we were buying a house and making a cross town move) from a fellow who really didn't have room for it but had impulse bought it from some people that were going to race it. "Supposedly" the engine was gone through and it has an aggresive cam (lopes a little bit like a harley), Widened rear fenders (fiberglassed), and the Vega Rims which are 7 inches wide and larger studs. Fellow I got it from had just put a Webber Down Draft carb on it, boiled out/sealed the gas tank, Solid state fuel pump, Pertronix (sp?) ignition, got it started, and had it shot (what he called) "Healey Red" (looks real good from 10 ft) at an econo-painter.

Its to be a hobby of sorts, Sunday and a few more days a week "therapy". - Wanna get frisky on some local hill country roads in the open air. If/when I trust it it might be my daily work comuter during the pleasant seasons. An "answer" to all my co-workers Harleys. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Needs:

Interior - spartan minded here. Anyone ever just shot their whole interior w/spray on truck bed liner?

Seats. (suggestions?) "racers" were apparently going to put in this one little plastic thing. NLA.

Brakes. (point of purchase guy had used American brake fluid - I've already purchased a new master cyl., rear cylinder rebuild kits, and my tech/auto-sensi guy thinks the frnt calipers may have survived. Hoping so.)

Top. (eventually)

Dash and wiring. present set up works, but is rather jury-rigged and what-not.

E!
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Another Texan! Yeeeeeee-hawwww. We're finally starting to catch up to them easterners and californis.

Lemme know when you get er goin and I will meet you in Kerrville and we'll go for ride.
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Just did the bed liner thing on the inside of my sprite. Did not spray just brushed 2 coats. I think it looks great. rust proof,scratch proof, covers any imperfections, sound deadening. From a few feet away it almost looks like carpet.

Carl
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Haaa Taz, and tough as nails to boot. Got the turn signal light apart, you know the metal and plastic bit.

You would think some smart guy would make some new ones of those. But then I guess you could use a bit of clear calk when assembling and if you were careful it would last for ever.
 
Re: Shimming the frnt Shocks? Size of Sway Bar to

Racers shim the front shocks to increase negative camber, which stock Spridget don't have any, but they are easier ways to do this. The Peter May offset trunions are way too much for the street, they induce something like 3+ degrees of negative camber, there best use is for a vintage racer running thread DOT race rubber. I think one of the better solutions available is the offset trunnion bushing that Winners Circle sells, at the full most inner setting it nets about 1.25 - 1.5 degrees negative camber, but you can rotote to be less if needed, on a street car.5 degree negative ought to be plenty.
 
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