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Old 09-16-2013, 09:40 PM   #47
Mark Yacavone
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Default Re: Front End Suspension, NHRA Rule Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by impstocker View Post
These are the upper bushings I used in my 68 Impala I/S car. I got them from my friend Pat Henneberry, an old school racer from the sixties. he had these bronze bushing stock (which he used on his 68 Camaro Modified car which is still raced today) which I just had to chuck up on a lathe and cut to size for a press fit plus increase the center hole a little. These will be going in my 65 Impala stocker I am building now. These cost me $0 The front lower control arm bushing was a aluminum round stock which I chucked up on the lathe and machine to fit, pressed fit a bronze center bushing for the bolt to go through, which I also just added a grease fitting, they worked too. I have to make a new set for the 65 Impala.

Another high tech are the solid body bushings simply made out of that same aluminum round stock. They are 1/2 inch shorter than stock, effectively "lowering" the body 1/2 over the frame.

I am glad I hang around guys like my friend Pat, they started racing when there wasn't a "Global West" or an Alf fella making all the parts for you. I fabricated a lot of parts and learned how to use a lathe, bridgeports and welders along the way. my 68 Impala was the first race car I built, people said It would be a parts breaker at 4100 lbs with a stick. Even though i only made 100 passes on car, no breakage with 7 tenths under.

Will Lamprecht
1965 Impala H/I Stck
Will, only problem I see with solid lowers is you can't pull the lower ball joint forward to gain positive caster..You'll have to do it all on the top.
Just hope that both side "center" in the same place.
You really want a ball type pivot on the bottom with a strut rod type suspension.
Take a look at some of the stuff for early Mustangs or Chevy II's
One other thing..THICKER body bushings give you more room between the carb and the hood.
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