The Bastard's Bastard SWB Suspension Set Up

[bob tilton]

I've been asked to divulge the susp/brake set up on my car.
Just the facts but keep in mind this car has 69-73 flares on all 4 corners:

FRONT: Bilstein Sports, 195/65 on deep 6s, 15mm H/R spacers, 19mm torsion, 19mm Welt sway with rubber bushings, Smart Racing drop link attachments to control arms, rubber bush on control arms, alum crossmember, Carrera calipers/rotors, stock 68 steering rack, turbo tie rods with 24mm spacer, 72mm factory lug nut studs, 24.25" ride height

REAR: Bilstein Sports, 215/60 on Weidman 7Rs, 1.5" Better Bodies spacers, later factory 24mm torsion, later factory 18mm sway, Bilstein Sport, Stomski trailing monoballs, Neatrix spring plate bushings, stock spring plates, stock L/S calipers/rotors, 72mm factory lug nut studs, 24" ride height

I debated for a long time about installing a later front end and it finally became about the numbers and my mechanic having a roller with the donor parts. SWB ball joints are $300 per side now and are known to have a short life span. An entire SC/Carrera front end is $900-1100.

In the end I wanted a maintenance free "Touring" car that didn't squeak or rattle by teeth on these ****ty CA roads. I don't track it. I drive the car to work, local events, and halfway down the state to the RG/ESREG events. I know we're not suppose to admit to not tracking the car and brag about stiffer, larger, harder, etc but...

I am very pleased with this set up. More than happy to answer any questions as several people assisted me with my decision based on their feedback. I don't have pics of the car since the work was completed but I'm pretty sure this is my happy face driving back to the Bay Area from SLO.

EDIT: Photo by Bob Aines

[boba]

Well Bob I just happen to find a few more shots of your car, I bet a lot of others have a few as well.

[bob tilton]

Thanks Bob! Always strange to see your own car motoring down the freeway.

[Mark Morrissey]

Thanks Bob! Always strange to see your own car motoring down the freeway.

Especially if someone else is driving it.

Bob, that's a beautiful car you have there.
Mark

[jonnyw]

Bob

Just curious what you used for your rear bumper setup on that car, the side bumpers look like the factory stock ones but Im not sure on the center?

Just curious since my rear bumpers were completly shot and not worth repairing on my 72 and need to figure out what I will use as a replacement.

Thanks,
Jon W.

[Cornpanzer]

Thanks Bob! Always strange to see your own car motoring down the freeway.

It would be especially strange if it was beyond state line.....

[Rich Lambert]

What's over, over the top? You're there Bob.

Once again seeing pictures of your car has motivated me to wash my car and go for a drive. Thanks!

[mjmoran]

Bob, that is a great set-up... For the most part the same as in my 68 with out the flairs. Great choice and keep the SWB faith!

[bob tilton]

It would be especially strange if it was beyond state line.....

Hand to God...I knew as I was typing the "day trippin' down the state" I was gonna get some slack from a MW guy.

Michael - your input on this board was very helpful in helping me decide. When my wrench called and asked what I thought about retaining my steering rack I recalled that you kept yours as well and agreed.

Jon - the side bumpers are a SWB/LWB splice job. It's a bit difficult to describe but SWB side bumpers are real shallow and hug the body more so than a LWB. It's all in relation to the flare. The center is stock steel lic panel. The bumper guards are stock but painted body color. This will change before May.

Final note to all the SWB guys thinking about installing a later front end - do it.

[silveranger]

Bob,
You're pushing me over the edge!
John Mohler