been looking and cant find a real answer as to why gm set their closed drive cars/ p/us rear axles so far forward ? had to be a reason !!!! or was everyone blind back then ??
@buick bill As weight is added to the vehicle (passengers/cargo) the arched spring compresses, effectively lengthening the spring. Given the front of the spring is anchored by a fixed mount, unlike the rear with a movable shackle, the lengthening moves the axle rearward and the visual placement of the wheel in the fender opening improves. Were it centered from the beginning, it would move to a rearward bias position and be more displeasing to the eye than it’s initial forward placement. Anyway, that’s my theory ........ Ray
My hypothesis is that the shape of the wheel opening is such that the wheel is indeed centered under the top center of the opening...but the lower edges of the wheel opening are further back, because this gives the wheel opening a more streamlined shape. It's subtle, but it's there.
Did you ever notice that the rear wheel on a model T is forward of center in the rear fender, and not because of parallel leafs moving the rear end back. I had to move the rear end back 3/4"to center the tire in the opening. I also had to move the front end forward about 3/4" to center the tire in the opening. So GM wasn't the only one. If a car has the wheels not centered in the fender openings that will be the first thing I notice. I'm like squirrel. I like to see the center of the wheel at the top center of the wheel opening arch.
I subed the rear of my 55 burbn with a jag in the garage . no side clearance/ view . rolled it out . took a look and rolled it back in cut it loose and moved it back 2 inches . never do that again !!
Can you imagine how fast those cars were assembled back then,,,,,ever watched an old video of it. They were in a crazy hurry,,,,it’s a miracle they are centered as close as they are ! Tommy
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