65 GTO Front suspension

Indy1K · 05-16-2008, 11:58 PM

My son and I just got and will be restoring a 65 GTO Hrdtp 4sp. His first, my second 65. Had one in High school way too long ago. We are new to the forum and may ask a lot of dumb questions, so please be patient, thanks.
First question I had was about front suspension. We want to put disk brakes up front and dont know whether to go with a drop spindle or stock height and what about springs, stock or 1,2, or 3 inch drop? We are looking for good handling and performance. The car will be restored close to stock. We will probably run radial tires though. Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all.
Kevin and Joseph in Indy

05GTO · 05-17-2008, 04:24 AM

Welcome to GTOforum,

Hotchkis Sport Suspension has everything you need.

I would go with their 12" disc package and the 1" lowered springs up front and 1" lowered springs for the rear. I have the 1" drop sport suspension on my 66 with the stock drum brakes and wish the front was 1" lower.

The 11 and 12" front disc package will give almost an inch of drop as well.

I have a 4 wheel disc setup on the 67 and would strongly suggest that you upgrade to a 67 or newer dual master cylinder and proportioning valve.

Good luck with the restoration,

rbpwrd240 · 05-19-2008, 10:15 PM

I am also restoring a 65 gto and the hotchkis kit looks amazing. It is expensive but worth every penny. I am also looking into how i want to deisgn my ride. Remembering that a rake looks cool but in the turns makes the car push. Then with a throttle snap it can be shoved into a snapping overstear situation. Suspension is very complex and can be affected by many things. I can give an overview of my limited understanding here and then need it later or i can add a new blog to my web site and you can read it there.
Ramirez Racing

Good luck on your project i should have the post up tonight.

Rukee · 05-20-2008, 07:24 AM

Anyone can put a suspension kit on and make them handle good, it takes a real man to drive these beasts the way they are.

Indy1K · 06-30-2008, 09:19 PM

Thanks guys,
We are sandblasting the chassis this week. Alot of cracks and bad repairs on the rear coil/shock crossmember where the driver side rail and the crossmember meet. Looks like a need to to some welding.
For the suspension, I dont think I can afford the Hotchkis stuff. I will probably go with the 11" drilled disc conversion kit with 2" drop spindles, "OPG" also has the full front end suspension poly kit and the rear suspension kit as well. New 1" drop springs front and rear. This kit also comes with the Sway bars.
Comments please?

Thanks,
Kevin and Joseph

ppurfield001 · 07-01-2008, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rukee

Anyone can put a suspension kit on and make them handle good, it takes a real man to drive these beasts the way they are.

You tell 'em Rukee. I love the way my '67 handles and it has NO power steering. Regards, Paul.

Indy1K · 07-17-2008, 10:01 PM

Hi All,
Wanted to send along an update and let you know I have a great 15 year old mig welder. We had to cut out and grind down all the work the three stooges did on the chassis. The rear crossmember was welded in with 1/4" bar stock and out of alignment by more than an inch on the left and 1/2" on the right. Between the rust and the racing stress cracking, there wasnt much good steel on the left rail and crossmember joint. We cut new 3/16" plate and partnered them in. Joseph did most of the welding. Por 15 coat is on. Tomorrow we put on the chassis cote and start re assembly.
Some pics on the progress.

05GTO · 07-18-2008, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indy1K

Hi All,
Wanted to send along an update and let you know I have a great 15 year old mig welder. We had to cut out and grind down all the work the three stooges did on the chassis. The rear crossmember was welded in with 1/4" bar stock and out of alignment by more than an inch on the left and 1/2" on the right. Between the rust and the racing stress cracking, there wasnt much good steel on the left rail and crossmember joint. We cut new 3/16" plate and partnered them in. Joseph did most of the welding. Por 15 coat is on. Tomorrow we put on the chassis cote and start re assembly.
Some pics on the progress.

You guys are doing a great job, which poly kit are you using on the rear control arms?

Indy1K · 07-18-2008, 12:33 PM

Randy,
We bought the complete Edelbrock kit. New everything except sway bars, still have to get those. The kit was #5294 I think.
Kevin

05GTO · 07-18-2008, 02:34 PM

I used energy bushings on both of my cars, If that was your choice I was going to give you a heads up their kits have the wrong thrust washers for the lower rear control arms. Edelbrock is a good kit.