Author Topic: Lower Front End (Read 10530 times)

david_moore · « **on:** September 30, 2003, 07:22:56 PM »

I have now got the front suspension in pieces and almost ready for reassembly with new parts. I want to lower the front tho, any suggestions? I have heard Holden springs will fit, others tell me to cut the springs, how much is a good start? Don't want to cut too much off! One source of info reccomends cutting half a coil off, wont this mean the springs wont line up with their appropriate housings? So many questions! So little time!:22

Brutus · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2003, 07:29:01 PM »

Dave...I cut my springs by about 1/2 a coil which seemed about right in the end. I do think I started at 1/4 coil first tho. See what getting old does to your memory?:b2
How did you go getting that lest bolt off the lower control arm? What was the reason it wouldn't come off?

Brutus · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2003, 07:31:32 PM »

It's ok, I just checked out your earlier post and read about it. That'll teach me to keep up to date now won't it?

Bob

david_moore · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2003, 07:36:17 PM »

Went at it a little limp wristed.... Which is not like me at all! After a liberal dose of penetrine, a long day at work and a little short of patience knocked that sucker out with me lump hammer! The door of my work truck was not even shut before I was on under the Corvette and on the lump!:22

david_moore · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2003, 07:38:53 PM »

You may be older than me Brutus but you are sure fast on the type! If I cut half a coil off wont the spring sit funny in its housings?

Brutus · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2003, 07:46:58 PM »

I think as long as one end is secured in it's niche then the rest shouldn't matter Dave.
I just tried to crawl under the car to see where my spring is sitting, but it's too low!!!!:22:22:22

Bob

Twin_Turbo · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2003, 07:52:23 PM »

Yeah the spring will sit funny. The way to do it is to cut it and then heat 1/2 of the coil with a torch and turn the spring upside down, press down on the spring so the coil bends and is flush with the sirface, then let it air dry and presto, one cut spring.

david_moore · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2003, 08:35:57 PM »

Thanks Twin, how much should it be heated? Red hot? Wont the heating affect the molecular structure or grains of the metal and therefore rearrange the characteristics of the spring? Softer perhaps?
And Brutus, thanks for your help also Mate! How far does the front guard sit from the tyre on your Corvette? Mine is about four fat fingers as standard. (Iused to know a girl called four fat fingers Annie, not telling anymore tho!)

Brutus · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2003, 11:16:29 PM »

Dave....sitting here at the computer here in the garage (which is right beside my Vette), I can reach across and put 2 fingers between the top of the tyre and the guard. I'll probably leave it at that "height" for now especially with the sidepipes being as close to the deck as they are now. Can't give the constabulary any more reason to ping me.

Bob

david_moore · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2003, 10:18:00 PM »

Hiya Bob!
Found a place at Penrith that has springs that should fit, I am going to check them out tomorrow, I am curious as to wether they will fit or not. They are for Holdens and I have heard Holden springs wont work, tomorrow will tell. :{

Brutus · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2003, 12:24:32 AM »

Dave...I believe King Springs have some that suit our application.
Bob

77CVT · « **Reply #11 on:** October 02, 2003, 01:25:45 PM »

HQ/HX springs fit in my old '77. Got them from King Springs via Fulcrum Suspension for about $130. I got the H/Duty ones (about 490 lb) but to do it over again I'd go big sway bars and softer springs. Stock springs in my '77 were 320 lb and I still have them if you want them.

david_moore · « **Reply #12 on:** October 03, 2003, 09:32:05 PM »

Picked up the springs today and yup cost $130, was quoted more over the phone but when presented with them mentioned our club and they murmured "oh yeah you lot and ..."
Seriously every person I spoke to at King Springs was very very good, they always seemed to try that little bit harder to help. They made an effort to help. I would recommend them highly. Also many thanks to Allan Dures who put me onto them! :{

Twin_Turbo · « **Reply #13 on:** October 04, 2003, 07:30:38 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by david_moore
Thanks Twin, how much should it be heated? Red hot? Wont the heating affect the molecular structure or grains of the metal and therefore rearrange the characteristics of the spring? Softer perhaps?
And Brutus, thanks for your help also Mate! How far does the front guard sit from the tyre on your Corvette? Mine is about four fat fingers as standard. (Iused to know a girl called four fat fingers Annie, not telling anymore tho!)

Yeah, about red hot. That's why you only heat 1/2 the coil after the cut. When beding the coil to flat it will be an inactive coil and therefore it's lower load (spring rate stays the same when you let it cool by air, it won't get brittle either) has no effect on the spring. Only the active coils will have effect on the rate.

david_moore · « **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2003, 09:06:14 PM »

Thanks for your replies Guys!
I have finished putting the suspension back together, looks good lowered and have fit longer spring bolts at the rear. My Corvette is now about 40mm or 1 1/2 inches lower and ready for a wheel alignment.
Brutus I already cancelled a wheel alignment for last saturday could not do it to 'em twice!
Now it has been done am feelin' pretty pleased with myself! ;35

Brutus · « **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2003, 09:16:25 PM »

Dave...So how much did you end up taking off your coil(s)? What's happening about your alignment tomorrow......will we see you at all?

Bob