Hi all,
I inherited my father's '69 Camaro convertible a few years ago that was partially restored by him. It had set for 10 years in a garage before I began working on it. Since then, I have done a lot of drivetrain work (TBI EFI, bolt on headers/exhaust, chrome under hood components, cam'd 350 crate engine and more). We also did a complete 4 wheel disc conversion. The engine runs great now and the brakes are very good. The problem I am having after getting it on the road is it handles like a nightmare. I am looking for any insight on what the next best step would be to do here. It is all over the place and randomly darts from side to side. The car is a 3 owner w/ 82k original miles and no prior accidents known. Pics shown below. I took it to the local suspension shop and we put it up on the lift. Here is what we found...

The alignment is way off (caster/camber/tow) but there are other issues that need to be addressed before this can be aligned.

The car still has the factory leafs, leaf bushing and shackles, and front end bushings. There is a ton of play in the front wheels alone when jacked up. I need new bushings and am debating if I should just do a complete front suspension kit and which one would be best. Keep in mind, I am debating adding a blower in the future so I do not want to cut myself short here.

Also, when I replace the leafs are there any recommendations? As it sets now, the rear is sagging and I am not sure if I should order multi-leaf suspension (will this stiffen it up too much) to raise it or will the factory single leafs be enough?

Should I try and lower the front? I do have 18" aftermarket wheels and could have clearance issues though.

Also, it looks like the front leaf mounts are asymmetric on the car. I am wondering if one of the leaf mounts is from a different camaro (SS, CAPO, or non convertible) or does anyone know if this is stock? When I say asymmetric, I mean one is recessed under the weld seam (driver side) but the other side (passenger) sticks out below the level of the weld seam.

As it currently sets, my left wheelbase is like 108 and a few vs right 106 and a few so there is def something off. I am hoping w/ new replacements and adjustments this could remedy this. Open to any thoughts or discussion. Thanks!

 

It depends and thats what sounds like .you could go through a complete rebuild .Using factory style parts ..I have used Moog for a lot of it .Then there are quite a variety of aftermarket set ups as well.Good luck to you.