1948 Champion coupe leans on corners.

[9echo]

I have not driven my 48 coupe much yet, but I am concerned about how much it leans on corners. I am talking about corners taken at 5-10 MPH or less. I have made the 'old jump on the bumper test' and it seems to have good shocks. I have noted that there are no stabilizer bars, front or rear. Did the 1948 Champion offer a stabilizer bar? If not, is it possible to build them?

[ST2DE5]

They all lean on curves.

[kmac530]

ANYTHING is possible.
Drill motor, wrench set, tape measure, and some creativity.

[Chris Pile]

My '49 leaned a lot.
Get used to it, and don't hot dog it.

[Nelsen Motorsports]

MY brother's 59 Chevy leans like that. It is a combo of soft springs, wore-out bushings, and no sway bars. I have had that thing about flipped on turns, even banked ones.

[9echo]

I drive a Miata as my DD. This is going to take some getting used to.
Thanks for the replies.

[Greenstude]

My 1947 Champion 4-door sedan used to have the same problem.

At the suggestion of a couple of members of the Atlantic Canada Chapter SDC, I had an excellent local spring shop put one extra leaf in each rear spring of the car a few years ago. (Later, I found that this is how Studebaker made a heavy-duty spring.) The improvement in handling was amazing, especially cornering. Also, the rear end of the car sits about 3 cm. higher, looking much more attractive.

Another worthwhile improvement resulted from switching from bias-ply to radial tires a few years before the spring job. My preference is to use tires no larger than 195R75-15 to reduce the chance of wheel problems. Since this tire size is now difficult to find, I look for tires of similar profile.

[aarrggh]

I would recommend staying off all roads with corners .