Before the sun breaks out this summer, I want to do some work on the front end of my 68 convertible. Right now it wanders badly when hitting minor bumps. I see lots of adds around for front end kits with and without suspension parts. Body bushings look good.

Any good advice on who I should buy the kit from and what parts I should be sure to replace? It looks like the current front end suspension is at least 15 years old.

Control arm bushings are a must. I like PST. www.p-s-t.com
Jim

Also take a look at PSC:

Performance Suspension Components

Ask for Jerry. Tell them Mark sent you.

If it wanders on bumps, start with the basics.

Ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, shock absorbers. If you haven't changed them, change them. Have an alignment done.

Inspect control arm bushings, body bushings, sway bar end links and bushings, center link. Replace as necessary. Don't stiffen it up until you've made it safe.

OK thanks for the advice.

This weekend took the front tires off and lifted the front end up to examine stuff. I couldn't see or feel anything play anywhere. The car has power steering so started the car and had my son turn the wheel back and forth while I felt for play in steering joints - but could not find anything. The body bushings look great too. Much of the suspension is under pressure from the springs so its hard to detect anything without pulling it apart, but all of the boots are in great shape and bushings at normal thickness.

Tires are wearing evenly.

The only thing I fould was that there was some play in the wheel bearings by pulling on the discs. How much play should there be?

Also, I do not have dampeners in the front - only in the back.

Again, thanks for the help.

Did you inspect the rag joint between the steering column and the steering box?

The lower control arm bushings could be worn badly and you would have a hard time noticing with the spring tension. If they are worn, every time you hit a high or low spot in the road the arm shifts and changes the geometery of the front end. This will change the alignment and make the car wonder. I believe this is one of the most common problems with a loose front end in a first gen Bird. I have found it on show cars that you would think had perfect bushings but just have never had them changed.
Jim

I'll look at the steering column and also put a spring compressor on to check for wear in the lower control arms.

Thanks

Without the wheels on, with only the discs, you should not be able to feel runout. Check your front wheel bearings again, and check runout with a feeler gauge. You will want to replace them if you have any doubt at all about their condition.