Thread: Shock Geometry

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Hundreds of brains are clicking over "Who's Jan and Dean? I don't remember seeing a post by him or them!".

Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Hundreds of brains are clicking over "Who's Jan and Dean? I don't remember seeing a post by him or them!".

If you don't know Jan and Dean, you can't be a Hot Rodder!!!!!

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

If you don't know Jan and Dean, you can't be a Hot Rodder!!!!!

You haven't been paying attention.......................that bunch knows they're the only REAL hot rodders.

Dave, you hit my nail right on the head! I originally started with a 29 Model A, but traded it for the Chevy when I realized it was more in line with what I wanted to do. It came with the axle already installed and the 454. Its bored 30 over and has a fairly mild cam. Its been estimated to be 450 to 500 hp. Since I want to keep the vehicle "Nostalgia", I did not tub it or move the rear springs inboard. So, with 10 inch slicks, massive torque would just burn rubber. But, even though its old style, (60's), I decided to use up to date goodies. This has led me to do lots of reading on suspension theory. I'm using a mono leaf rear and CalTracks traction system. Chris Alston double adjustable shocks front and rear. Rack and Pinion (no bump!), built Glide with armor, Ford 9 race case-35 spline and spool, all to help the novice (me) run straight. And, of course I have up to date safety equipment.
My thoughts have been to spend dollars on safety and getting the torque applied to the pavement. If I could make this car get into the high 10's I'd be very happy. I doubt that, at least at first, but if I wanted to go crazy fast, I wouldn't be trying to move all this Detroit Steel!

So, again guys, this has been a very informative discussion for me. I feel that the slight outboard positioning of the lower shocks was correct. I hope so, because I just painted the axle. Can you believe I picked it up at the weld shop, and dropped it off for sandblasting and they told me, "Just wait a moment, we'll do it now"! And that on Friday afternoon, holiday weekend, and 106 degrees here in the valley! Good Omen.

Originally Posted by drofdar

Dave, you hit my nail right on the head! I originally started with a 29 Model A, but traded it for the Chevy when I realized it was more in line with what I wanted to do. It came with the axle already installed and the 454. Its bored 30 over and has a fairly mild cam. Its been estimated to be 450 to 500 hp. Since I want to keep the vehicle "Nostalgia", I did not tub it or move the rear springs inboard. So, with 10 inch slicks, massive torque would just burn rubber. But, even though its old style, (60's), I decided to use up to date goodies. This has led me to do lots of reading on suspension theory. I'm using a mono leaf rear and CalTracks traction system. Chris Alston double adjustable shocks front and rear. Rack and Pinion (no bump!), built Glide with armor, Ford 9 race case-35 spline and spool, all to help the novice (me) run straight. And, of course I have up to date safety equipment.
My thoughts have been to spend dollars on safety and getting the torque applied to the pavement. If I could make this car get into the high 10's I'd be very happy. I doubt that, at least at first, but if I wanted to go crazy fast, I wouldn't be trying to move all this Detroit Steel!

So, again guys, this has been a very informative discussion for me. I feel that the slight outboard positioning of the lower shocks was correct. I hope so, because I just painted the axle. Can you believe I picked it up at the weld shop, and dropped it off for sandblasting and they told me, "Just wait a moment, we'll do it now"! And that on Friday afternoon, holiday weekend, and 106 degrees here in the valley! Good Omen.

Always good to see someone with a firm grasp on reality and a good set of priorities!!!!

I was cruising in my Stingray, late one night, When an XKE pulled up on my right----love it!! love it!!! Still get goosebumps just thinking about it.---Brian

Wasn't that a song, Brien?

HenryRifle---I was refering to Dave Severson's post #16 where he refers to the song "Dead Mans Curve" by Jan and Dean. The song is a true recounting of a race in which one of them (I don't remember which) was almost killed racing his Corvette against an XKE Jaguar.

I was cruising in my Stingray late one night
when an XKE pulled up on the right
and rolled down the window of his shiny new Jag
and challenged me then and there to a drag
I said, "you're on, buddy, my mill's runnin' fine
let's come off the line, now, at Sunset and Vine
I'll go you one better if you've got the nerve
let's race all the way to dead man's curve.
Dead man's curve
Dead man's curve
Won't come back from dead man's curve

The street was deserted late Friday night
we were buggin' each other while we sat out the light
we both popped the clutch when the light turned green
you shoulda heard the whine from my screamin' machine
I flew past LaBrea, Schwab's, and Crescent Heights
and all the Jag could see were my six taillights
he passed me at Doheny then I started to swerve
but I pulled her out and there we were
at Dead man's curve

Well, the last thing I remember, Doc, I started to swerve.
And then I saw the Jag slide into the curve.
I know I'll never forget that horrible sight,
I guess I found out for myself that everyone was right
won't come back from dead man's curve
Dead man's curve, Dead man's curve
Dead man's curve, Dead man's curve
Dead man's curve, Dead man's curve

Brian,

I know. I was tweakin' you. It was Jan Berry who biffed on Dead Man's Curve. As I remember, he was upset about being drafted - at least that's the legend.