Recent posts

#1

General Q&A / Re: Auto Metal Direct Hood Hin...

Last post by Mike DC - Today at 09:58:30 PM

 
I've read feedback on the AMD repro hinges one time and it wasn't good. 


IIRC Chrysler used the same hinges on 1970s Dodge pickups. 

The B-body car hinges will physically interchange from 1966-70, although the earlier ones had an extra mounting slot on the top bracket.


   

#2

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, & Tires / Re: Lowering the front end… wh...

Last post by Mike DC - Today at 06:50:53 PM

 
If you change the ride height by a visible amount, then you should also reset all the control arm bushings.  Loosen up the mounting bolts, jounce the front end a bit, and re-tighten them.  That way the rubber bushings are back to neutral (not twisted) at the new ride height. 

Failure to do this will wear out the bushings earlier.  The lower control arm bushings are already the front end's weak point (check the mounting areas for cracks in the K-frame metal itself). 



The camber change from lowering the front end is usually nothing to worry about.  Modern radial tires can take more camber than the suspension was designed to have at ride height. 

When you lower the front alone it tends to rake the chassis more (nose down, tail up) and that is bad for caster alignment.  These cars were designed for zero caster and you ideally want at least a couple degrees of it.  Increasing the rake (by lowering the front end) is pushing the caster slightly in the negative direction.  Not a lot.

 

Lowering the front end will quickly start using up your front suspension travel though.  People like to run shorter bumpstops to fix this.  But be careful if you run 14-15" wheels.

The factory designed the front end so you could bottom-out the front suspension and compress the tire sidewalls pretty far down at the same time, without hitting the undercarriage on the pavement.  If you shorten the LCA bumpstops then you're cutting into that margin of safety (unless the front end has 17+ inch wheels, which would work to offset it.)     

#3

Paint, Body & Trim / Re: My gas cap change

Last post by b5blue - Today at 02:23:21 PM

Ebay repop "Le Mans" style but yea Cobra also. The locking cap from Advance Auto.

#4

Paint, Body & Trim / Re: My gas cap change

Last post by mopar4don - Today at 02:03:46 PM

What is that gas cap off of?
Shelby Cobra?

#5

Charger Discussion / Re: How often do you drive you...

Last post by Dave Kanofsky - Today at 01:46:44 PM

Whenever available time, safe destination, and good weather align.
Driving it is the best part of owning it! 

#6

Paint, Body & Trim / My gas cap change

Last post by b5blue - Today at 01:40:59 PM

  Sick of aftermarket crap, when my repop flip top cap started to pit and get funky I made my own. My car is not restored it's repaired and my kids want it so never for sale. (So I can have fun!)
  I did this, a new down tube/seal and stainless tank all at one time, works like a charm.

#7

Charger Discussion / How often do you drive your Ch...

Last post by b5blue - Today at 01:30:11 PM

  I'm at least once a month but lately once or twice a week. My Dakota takes the abuse runs like Home Depot or Walmart. Non ethanol 89OCT solved the gas/starting issues.   

#8

Off Topic Discussion / Re: Jokes, memes and general s...

Last post by tan top - Today at 10:20:47 AM

i know this is an old one & you all prolly seen it before ,  ive had a few customers like this when i was a mechanic , anyways  listen closely to what the customer is actually asking    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDnivh5Odfk

#9

Charger Discussion / Re: Reconnections

Last post by lloyd3 - Today at 07:54:37 AM

cdr: I like your 2020 Challenger much-more than that COPO Camaro.  It better hints at it's heritage in my eyes (and the black livery seems far-more fitting) and I'm sure its good fun to drive.

There were just so-many Camaros made in my lifetime...

#10

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, & Tires / Re: Lowering the front end… wh...

Last post by Kern Dog - Yesterday at 11:55:06 PM

The camber goes negative as the ride height is lowered. Caster increases too. The toe setting changes a little too. If you're only changing it by an inch, personally I wouldn't worry about a REalignment. Beyond that, you might consider it. Lowering the car removes toe, raising the car increases it.

This chart was written after plotting the alignment numbers using a 1973-76 A body disc brake knuckle. The stock Charger/B body knuckle is close to the same numbers.
Note how the alignment does change as the suspension moves.