Handling problem with 73t

[dmcummins]

I just picked up a 73t and im starting to go through it. The problem I have is it doesn't handle as well as my 72 targa. Going down the road at 60 or so it seams a little squirrly. The suspension also seems soft.

What should I look for or start to replace first? Im not looking for a track car but I know it can be alot better than it is now.

Thanks,

Mark

[dmcummins]

here is a pic

[stlrj]

You might start with an alignment and then go from there. You may not need to replace anything.

Joe

[Jack Olsen]

Great looking car. What are those tires, and how old are they?

I'd agree that an alignment (and an inspection of everything in there -- from bushings to the big pieces) is the first step.

[Early_S_Man]

Those tires are not appropriate for a 911 -- no matter how old they are!!! Cheapies, $35 at most ... might be suitable for a boat or travel trailer, though! Depends on the boat, I guess!

'Soft' is a bit subjective ... but after a new set of name-brand VR or ZR tires, shocks and struts will probably be needed, next!

[dmcummins]

Yea I know the tires are cheap. They came with the car. It feels like the front end is to light.
I havn't bothered to get plates for the car yet. The pics of the car are deceiving. The paint job is not that great. It's OK from 10 feet.

Maybe Ill try the home alignment Ive read about here. I'd like to get the car sorted out as best I can and paint it next winter. Then have it ready to go next summer.

I'm really not up on the suspension. I know I like the way my S feels. When you push on the fender it just does not move. The T rolls around front and back. Is this a function of the shocks or the torsion bars? Also the S has sway bars, the T does not.

Thanks again for the help.

[Neilk]

I would check out the bushings before getting an alignment. Try pulling off one of the rear torsion bar covers to evaluate the condition of the rear bushings. The ones in my '73S were completely shot and made the car rather squirrly. Changing all the rear bushings transformed the car.

[cegerer]

I'll bet you've got a bad strut/shock - there should be no 'rolling' around when you push on the fenders, even without sway bars. I'd start there and then crawl under and see if any of the suspension components are loose/broken.

BTW: Mastercraft makes nice ski boats - didn't know they made tires!