IML: Sagging in old age (was: '67 LeBaron update)

["Dick Benjamin" <dickb@xxxxxxxxx>]

Regarding torsion bar sagging - as many know, I am a Packard collector.
Virtually all V8 Packards have torsion bar suspension - these are
approaching 50 years old now, and these are very heavy cars.  I've yet to
have one sag or break, and I own more of these cars than I want to admit.
I've driven these cars everywhere, including camping trips with all 6 kids
aboard and all our camping gear, into the woods, across the rivers, and up
hill and down dale - with and without roads.  My observation is that once
the initial few years went by, the cars didn't sag further at all,
regardless of use or storage.  The main reason most of them ride too low now
is that people have changed to modern profile tires, thus losing about 2
inches of ride height.

Regarding driving the 67's when new - I'm sorry to say I never had the
pleasure, but I do recall driving a 68 when I was shopping for a new car in
late 68.   I was astonished at the handling and responsive steering in the
car. The feeling amongst those who seemed to know was that the Imperial was
a superb "driver's" car, but probably not as quiet or soft riding as the
Cadillac or Lincoln. 

I've always regretted that I felt I couldn't afford that expensive a car,
and bought a new Electra 225 instead -which turned out to be a big mistake -
but that's another story. 

Dick Benjamin (now sagging in many other areas) 

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Rob McCall
Sent: Sunday, November 21, 2004 9:22 AM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: IML: '67 LeBaron update

Dick,

I didn't realize the headlights had to be on for the cornering lights to
work.  That makes sense; I'll try it again tonight.  This is the only car in
the fleet here with cornering lights.  Hood/fender mounted turn signals are
as fancy as the other cars get.

I'm a little concerned that the torsion bars might sag once it's back on the
road.  It had been sitting still in a barn for 15 of its 37 years.  I'll
worry about it once it's actually on the road.  The ride height looks good
now, but I've seen other cars resettle after they get back on the road.

I've used the KYB's on several other vehicles and have been very happy with
them.  I don't mind a little grinding, but I'll have to give the NAPA shocks
some thought.

I have good sources for the Moog parts, as long as I do the part number
homework.  

I don't have a real comparison of how these cars road when new.  The car was
born a couple years before me!

Thanks,
Rob McCall





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