11-06-2020, 10:56 AM
I agree with everything that Ian says. In the late seventies/ early eighties, I had a special. The only suspension modification was flatter springs front and rear and to ensure that all joints and bushes were in good order. It was on 4.50 x 17 tyres (they were plentiful new in those days). The car was capable (just) of an indicated 70mph given enough level road and would cruise happily at 55/60. I never had any issues with the handling and the car was quite as roadable as a friend's J type Midget.
That having been said, all beam axled cars bump steer to a certain extent and can be quite camber sensitive. It is inherent in the geometry.
Whilst I accept Ian's criticism of the saloon, these can still be made to behave themselves well on the road by scrupulously maintaining the suspension and steering, including ensuring that the steering box has minimum free play (about an inch at the steering wheel) and is free-moving throughout its range of travel.
Tyre pressures are also important. The lighter the car, the less tyre pressure you need. My RP, running on Avon Triple Duties seems happiest with 24 psi in the front and 26 in the rear. I can't remember what I ran the special at, but it was certainly less than that.
Being light, cross winds can affect Sevens, saloons the more so, due to the perpendicular architecture.
I hope these few random observations assist.
That having been said, all beam axled cars bump steer to a certain extent and can be quite camber sensitive. It is inherent in the geometry.
Whilst I accept Ian's criticism of the saloon, these can still be made to behave themselves well on the road by scrupulously maintaining the suspension and steering, including ensuring that the steering box has minimum free play (about an inch at the steering wheel) and is free-moving throughout its range of travel.
Tyre pressures are also important. The lighter the car, the less tyre pressure you need. My RP, running on Avon Triple Duties seems happiest with 24 psi in the front and 26 in the rear. I can't remember what I ran the special at, but it was certainly less than that.
Being light, cross winds can affect Sevens, saloons the more so, due to the perpendicular architecture.
I hope these few random observations assist.