66 Skylark convertible suspension upgrade help needed

[jimenezl]

I have a 66 Skylark with original but updated suspension (bushings, mostly). Although the ride is not bad, I'd like to upgrade the suspension to give the car a firmer, more modern feel and improved handling. I won't be racing or canyon-carving; just a little spirited cruising every now and then. Are there any benefits, for my purposes, in installing tubular control arms and drop spindles, in addition to sway bars and coil-overs? Thanks
Ps, the front rides pretty high so I want to lower it.

[77thor]

Forget the tubular a-arms, drop spindles, and coil-overs... for your application they would be a waste of cash, IMO.
I'd go with new drop coil springs and new shocks (I like the Bilstein's).

[Olds.PhD]

I disagree with just new coil springs and shocks. Been there, done that - it in no way felt like a modern car.

Tubular arms will allow you to run far more positive caster, which will make your steering feel more modern. If you're on a budget, you can just run uppers (assuming your stock lowers are in good condition).

Coilovers are likely not necessary for performance, but will make getting the ride height correct far easier. I'd personally be careful with drop spindles. My car (68 Olds) has 1" drop springs and sits way too low. Front crossmember is 4" off the ground, headers have less than 3" of clearance. I scrape - a lot. I can't imagine putting another inch of drop on the car. Coilovers will give you a bit of adjustment, but they can't correct a huge change.

A tall upper balljoint will help correct the horrible camber curve without a ton of cost. A rear sway bar will help keep it from understeering so badly. Likely just need a control-arm mounted bar. If you're running factory lower arms, make sure they're boxed.

You really don't need a ton for your use case. Just a few key pieces will help considerably.

[BonzoHansen]

^^^ what he said.

Give UMI a call

[m91196]

Improved front end geometry and a quicker ratio steering box with a larger torsion bar will improve road manors and feel, at least that’s my experience

[dhutton]

ridetech street grip is a lot of bang for the buck along with a quick ratio steering box. The best riding A body I built had SPC arms, AFX spindles, SPC springs, Bilstein shocks. Hellwig sway bars, C6 Z51 brakes, and a Turn One steering box. Awesome cruiser.

Don

[jimenezl]

Don, et al, thanks for your responses. The ridetech offerings look good.
Olds. PhD, your suggestions sound very reasonable. Thanks!