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Joined: May 2018
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Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
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My 1940 business coupe has a very slight rake - the distance from the top edge of the running board stainless trim at the rear is ~ 1" lower than the corresponding point at the front. I get the same measurement difference for the raised edge belt line just under the windows. So the car is apparently sitting at a slight angle.
It's not a big difference, although it is magnified by the time you get to the rear and the front of the car, and my guess is the original designers were going for a level, not raked, stance. I also think the appearance of a level stance is more pleasing, as I noticed one time when I was in the middle of jacking up the car under the differential.
I don't know if the rear is low or the front is high. How can I tell, and is there anything relatively simple that I can do to correct it?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
Chevrolets method of checking riding height on the model required special equipmemt.
I quick method would be when placing your hand on top of the tire, front or rear, the back (top) of your hand should be close to the top of the wheel opening, front or rear.
If you can send me a picture of the side view of your car I could judge better.
Gene Schneider
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Grease Monkey
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Grease Monkey
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Chevgene - how do I send you a picture?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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To my email......chevgene@msn.com
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Feb 2008
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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My 1940 business coupe has a very slight rake - the distance from the top edge of the running board stainless trim at the rear is ~ 1" lower than the corresponding point at the front. I get the same measurement difference for the raised edge belt line just under the windows. So the car is apparently sitting at a slight angle.
It's not a big difference, although it is magnified by the time you get to the rear and the front of the car, and my guess is the original designers were going for a level, not raked, stance. I also think the appearance of a level stance is more pleasing, as I noticed one time when I was in the middle of jacking up the car under the differential.
I don't know if the rear is low or the front is high. How can I tell, and is there anything relatively simple that I can do to correct it? If the rear is lower than the front ..... that is not considered a rake, as we knew the phrase, back in the day. A front end lowered to set lower than the rear is considered a "rake". Here are some dimensions which may ....... or may not assist you. Go to page 15, of the exterior dimensions section. https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/do...mation-kits/Chevrolet/1940-Chevrolet.pdf
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Chief sent me pictures of his beautyful 1940 Master Deluxe (maroon) business coupe.
The front is higher than original. This is common today when new coil springs are installed. The replacement springs are usually for a 1939-1948 and even some 1949-1952 models that had more weight on the front springs. The are too strong for a lighter 1939 or 1940.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: May 2018
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Grease Monkey
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OP
Grease Monkey
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Gene is correct - the front of the car is high. Per the "F" dimension in Bob's referenced link, the height from the floor to the top of the hood ornament should be 47-15/16" - mine measures approximately 49-1/4", or 1-5/16" high.
Thanks to Gene and Bob for the help.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
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Gene is correct - the front of the car is high. Per the "F" dimension in Bob's referenced link, the height from the floor to the top of the hood ornament should be 47-15/16" - mine measures approximately 49-1/4", or 1-5/16" high.
Thanks to Gene and Bob for the help. You are welcome.
1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
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Joined: May 2002
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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I dont know how the ride height was measured years ago but the current method down here is wheel centre to wheel arch which will determine the spring condition. Of course this is only correct with a complete and unloaded car and it also takes tire profile out of the equation.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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