69 Body Sag

[gbowman]

It's a S/B car. I haven't looked at the front coils that close but will do so this evening and let you know. A lot of the original factory markings are on the car, but I don't know if the spring tags/markings are present. The rear springs are the originals. I replaced them this past weekend but it didn't make a difference anyway, so I may just have them tested and/or re-arched and put em back in to maintain the originality aspect. Thanks.

Gary

Does your convertible have all GM springs, front and rear? I have heard many of the repro front springs are not a matched rating even though they are sold as a set.

You didn't say if your car is a S/B or B/B.

I parted a '69 B/B RS convertible back around 1980. When I removed the front springs, on top of them were GM rubber spacers. They come in two sizes 3/8" and 9/16" thick to adjust trim height. One car will use two of the same thickness. Possibly your car has them and one has fallen out or when a new spring was installed one was not reinstalled.

I will dig out the NOS spacers and take pictures if there is any interest, only if someone will post them for me.

Hydraulic shocks do not affect the ride height, they are just dampers.

                                                                                                     - Warren

[Sauron327]

another posibility as you say its all original and you don't think it is from hole shots.

If the car was jacked up at one point, possibly just one side or with one jack stand holding up one corner for a long (over a year) extended period of time, you could have the body warp a little like what you are describing. As mentioned I would think you would see other evidence such as door gaps that would also have resulted,  especially since the difference side to side seems so large.

If been in the collision and resto business for decades and gravity will not produce the results you suggest.  The car would have to be severely compromised and ready to fail at most spotwelds. The owner should have a qualified tech evaluate the car. Easy job for one in the industry on a daily basis.

[jvb6648]

For what it's worth and future reference the guy that did my body work put it on a frame straightener, clamped it at 4 points and squared it before he cut anything. He said it was off a little. I think he only put it on a rotisserie to prime it. Very pleased with the outcome.

[BULLITT65]

another posibility as you say its all original and you don't think it is from hole shots.

If the car was jacked up at one point, possibly just one side or with one jack stand holding up one corner for a long (over a year) extended period of time, you could have the body warp a little like what you are describing. As mentioned I would think you would see other evidence such as door gaps that would also have resulted,  especially since the difference side to side seems so large.

If been in the collision and resto business for decades and gravity will not produce the results you suggest.  The car would have to be severely compromised and ready to fail at most spotwelds. The owner should have a qualified tech evaluate the car. Easy job for one in the industry on a daily basis.

Well I don't doubt your what you have witnessed. I actually saw a 56 chevy that had been on a lift for so many years, it did sag on the front and rear. It was a 2 door hardtop, and you could begin to see an issue with the door gap, but more of an issue with the frame bowing. I know the camaro is uni body Vs. full frame, but it didn't seem beyond the realm of possibility to me.

[69Z28-RS]

..caused perhaps by structural deterioration from 'oxidation issues'... 

[BULLITT65]

This was on a restored car.

[gbowman]

Unlatch the top and measure the gap from the bow to the windshield header. If it is not uniform all the way across, there may be some twist in the structure. 1-3/8" is a lot and if the body were that badly twisted the door alignment would be off also.

No gaps with the top unlatched, thanks for the suggestion though. One thing I noticed last night that stood out when I took some additional measurements, the distance from the bottom of the subframe to the floor (measured at the same place on both sides) is one inch lower on the driver's side. Thanks again for all the input. I'll get it figured out eventually.

[69Z28-RS]

This was on a restored car.

hmmmm....  so no rusty cars have EVER been *restored*...??   

[BULLITT65]

Sure it could have had rust under panels, but looking at how the weight was unevenly distributed, was the main cause. And that's what I was getting at for the OP.

So if the floor is closer on one side, what could cause that other than body bushing for the Subframe?

[L78 steve]

Its probably body twist. I had a 74 Z28 that was driven into a ditch and it twisted the body. No panel damage or gap issues just the height issue as you state.

[Kelley W King]

I am thinking bent subframe. Maybe the front and A frames,Ect. If bent slightly on ends near the bumper it could raise or lower the end towards the middle. Not a unibody but my corvette is not quite level in the front. It was hit on the front corner years ago, but you can,t see with your eye where it is bent. Aligns and drives well

[william]

Could be the mounts on the sub frame for the bushings have rusted through. Another common 1st Gen malady.

[gbowman]

Could be the mounts on the sub frame for the bushings have rusted through. Another common 1st Gen malady.

No rust on this car anywhere. Thanks for the reply though.

[169INDY]

"The rear springs are the originals. I replaced them this past weekend but it didn't make a difference anyway, so I may just have them tested and/or re-arched and put em back in to maintain the originality aspect. Thanks.
Gary"

Make sure you do not torque suspension items till it is on its Feet-

Just a suggestion which I bet you already knew all about

[Dave C.]

Has any work been done on the front end?  Front springs can break, plus if not installed properly, can set the vehicle uneven.  I recommend removing the front springs and check both and install so that end of spring is in pocket in subframe.