Bubba Lowering System
12-14-2011, 04:55 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Bubba Lowering System
I pulled the front end apart on our '77 to put in new control arm bushings and do the brakes. Basically give it a complete inspection and get it cleaned up before I drop in the new motor in the next couple of weeks.
I found a very unique bubba method of lowering your car. While I have heard of this before, I have never witnessed it first hand.
What were they thinking?
Can you say coil bind?
There was a bunch of bailing wire wrapped around the spring which must have been used as a spring compressor while they heated it up. Then they just cut the wire and left it all hanging in the spring.
I found a very unique bubba method of lowering your car. While I have heard of this before, I have never witnessed it first hand.
What were they thinking?
Can you say coil bind?There was a bunch of bailing wire wrapped around the spring which must have been used as a spring compressor while they heated it up. Then they just cut the wire and left it all hanging in the spring.
Last edited by AdamMeh; 12-14-2011 at 05:21 PM.
12-14-2011, 05:17 PM
#3
Drifting
One of my soldiers called me a few years back and asked me if I had a torch.....knowing the idiot this kid was, I asked him why....He explained that if you heat up the springs and let the car drop under its own weight, you have an awesome and affordable lowering kit. I reminded him that his Serviceman's Group Life Insurance DID NOT cover acts of BLATANT STUPIDITY....
12-14-2011, 05:20 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
One of my soldiers called me a few years back and asked me if I had a torch.....knowing the idiot this kid was, I asked him why....He explained that if you heat up the springs and let the car drop under its own weight, you have an awesome and affordable lowering kit. I reminded him that his Serviceman's Group Life Insurance DID NOT cover acts of BLATANT STUPIDITY....
12-14-2011, 05:54 PM
#5
Drifting
Member Since: Jun 2011
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That kind of thing scares me. Not just because of the spring, but it makes you wonder what else they did. I am glad you are going through the whole car and will find any other "creative" solutions.
12-14-2011, 06:10 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
That's been the plan since day one. We won't be driving this until I feel it's safe. I have been fixing many "unique" wiring situations as well No more yellow TWIST CAPS (yes, you read that right) - all are all being soldered and shrink wrapped correctly.
12-14-2011, 07:14 PM
#7
Drifting
you have to believe that the spring has weakened at the points above and below the compressed coil.i'd worry about the molecules lining up properly after the spring cooled.maybe i worry too much.
12-14-2011, 09:48 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
New springs are on the way
12-15-2011, 12:36 PM
#9
Drifting
adam you are doing things the safe way for sure.best of luck on the rebuild.my a-frame bushings are next but i'm enjoying the cruising too much to start the job.
12-17-2011, 06:07 PM
#10
I'm not a fan of the the ole school heating of the springs, but I do have a story for those that may still attempt it. Way back, we heated up some springs on a 2nd gen Camaro. We got the ride height exactly where the owner wanted it. We went out to get something to eat and came back about 2 hrs later. The springs had cooled, but also sagged/lowered an addtl 2 inches. Just food for thought. I ended up cutting 1 coil out of my 69 which set the fender right at 27".
