Chassis Swap 66 Electra

easyellis

Member
Has anyone swapped the chassis on a C-Body? Looked at RS and Art Morrison and they’re too pricey. Want an updated ride and better handling. If you can suggest possible swaps I would greatly appreciate it.
 
Has anyone swapped the chassis on a C-Body? Looked at RS and Art Morrison and they’re too pricey. Want an updated ride and better handling. If you can suggest possible swaps I would greatly appreciate it.
There's no way to duplicate that wheel base with something more modern without having to stretch it. I would think doing a front clip from something newer and working with the existing rear suspension an easier alternative.
The lower control arms are the same as a 64-72 A body so there's a large selection there. Addeco has a rear sway bar that goes from the rear end to the frame not control arm to control arm. Much better with that much tail to wag. The rear shocks must match newer models so there's actually a selection with KYB's and Bilstein's on the list. Weak link are the upper arms. They can be rebushed with A body bushings but there are no replacements for them, they are much longer than an A body's arms.
The front suspension on the other hand is archaic. Not much you can do with it other than a faster steering box, heavier springs and a 1-5/8's sway bar You can't get polyurethane bushings for the front end other than the sway bar and there is a very limited selection of shocks none of which are for handling.

ETA, I have a 67 Electra convertible so I've done the research.
 
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I have 2.5 turn lock-lock steering boxes (instead of the 4 turns lane-lane, (exaggerating) for the stock box) for almost 1/2 the cost of the top 3 rebuilt steering box/upgrade rebuilders. They come with a one yr. no mileage limit guarantee. They are the proper"808" original type boxes with the original feel. Can ALSO add the firm feel, but EVERYONE so far has been completely satisfied with the original feel boxes. These rebuilt boxes ARE A BOLT-IN swap for ALL Full size cars & Riv's from'59 Caddy to '76 B Body cars. No adapters, hoses or ANYTHING SPECIAL needed. Almost feels like rack & pinion steering in comparison to the original. I ALSO have Poly lower control arm bump stops & strut rod bushings. All of which I have in stock. I don't remember if the rear of the '66 has a Panhard rod or not, but IF it does I ALSO have those bushings in stock as well. Addco makes 1 1/4" front sway bars & 1" rear sway bars. I have Bilstein shocks also. I would NOT use Poly bushings for the front upper control arms. Between the steering box upgrade, sway bars & shocks will improve the suspension (& PROPER) front alignment specs. improve steering feel greatly!!!!

Tom T.
 
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