<VV> Lowering LM Front End

[Ray Rodriguez III]

Jay,

     I just got done lowering the front of my 66' Corsa coupe by cutting the 
springs.  There are lots of folks who will argue agaisnt this practice, but 
there are just as many who have been doing it for years and been satisfied 
with the results.  (The cut I did was pretty extreme, and I have bottomed 
out the springs on a nasty bump since, but the trunk was also full of heavy 
stuff).  Also note, my understanding is that cutting the coil increases the 
spring rate, so you will get a firmer ride.. more like a sports car.  HD 
springs obviously do the same, but I'm not sure how they would compare.  I 
happen to like stiff springs and sports car ride quality, many others 
<<waves at all the old geezers!!>> dont.  =)

     In my case the problem was that the old springs were tired in the rear 
(as they often are) from holding up the engine, and the fronts sat just as 
high as ever...  I was going to install HD springs front and rear but I 
decided to try out the "free" method first as I like an aggressive stance. 
My cut was pretty extreme.. I took off a coil and a half from each I think.. 
maybe even 2 coils (the first coil is kinda flat).  Put the cut end at the 
top as there is no "seat" there it has to fit into.  Liberally coat each end 
of each coil with grease to reduce the groans, moans and squeaks you'll get 
from the springs as they settle in.  I also like to paint the cut end with 
POR15 to make sure it doesnt corrode.

     If you see the pictures I posted a week or two ago of the lowered car 
be aware that the trunk is full of stuff.. some of it heavy... I think it 
probably sits an inch or more higher with the trunk empty.. ill take more 
pics once the car is back together. (putting in a clutch right now).

     Cutting the springs did lower the car more than I expected, so you 
might want to be conservative with your cut!  Also note,  we couldnt get the 
ball joint to come loose, so we took the a-arms off at the inner end, worked 
great.  Thats where the camber adjustment is, but you will definitely need 
an alignment after any ride height changes anyway... this seems to be more 
true of corvairs then other cars..  regardless do an alignment afterward 
whether you cut or replace the springs!!!

Ray (likes lowered cars) Rodriguez III
CORSA member
66' Corsa 140/4 coupe
65' Corsa 140/4 coupe (under construction)


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jay Pitchford" <jay.pitchford at gmail.com>
To: "Virtual Vairs" <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Saturday, September 19, 2009 1:23 PM
Subject: <VV> Lowering LM Front End


> What's the best way to accomplish this? Replace the springs with Clark's
> heavy duty springs? Find someone to remove, cut a coil out, and replace 
> the
> stock springs?