Lowering the C3
Team Owner
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From: Dinosaur Victrola, Listnin' to Buck Owens...
Originally Posted by Panzermensch
I've never heard of drop spindles messing up suspension geometry.
Team Owner
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SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Originally Posted by Gary79
shouldn't this be in C3 tech?????
As for torch vs. saw, a saw or cutoff wheel is preferred, but a torch is much more sporting.
You can always just shorten the springs you have now, if you have the proper equipment. Bake the springs at 400-500 degrees, then place the hot spring into a compression fixture and apply a load to compress the spring beyond the normal in-vehicle compression. It'll create a shorter spring with little change in the rate.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,529
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From: Sherwood Park Alberta
Originally Posted by ddecart
Thus my original question about the thread location.
As for torch vs. saw, a saw or cutoff wheel is preferred, but a torch is much more sporting.
You can always just shorten the springs you have now, if you have the proper equipment. Bake the springs at 400-500 degrees, then place the hot spring into a compression fixture and apply a load to compress the spring beyond the normal in-vehicle compression. It'll create a shorter spring with little change in the rate.
As for torch vs. saw, a saw or cutoff wheel is preferred, but a torch is much more sporting.
You can always just shorten the springs you have now, if you have the proper equipment. Bake the springs at 400-500 degrees, then place the hot spring into a compression fixture and apply a load to compress the spring beyond the normal in-vehicle compression. It'll create a shorter spring with little change in the rate.
Thanks all. Should have posted in C3 tech. Appreciate the answers though.
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
So, did you ask the Midas genius where he'd recommend you purchase these C3 dropped spindles? 
I'd love to hear his answer.
I'd love to hear his answer.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Oak Ridge NC
Originally Posted by stevekk
Hey Me2, whats a "coilovers"????? Thanks.....anybody else know what this is??? 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Cincinnati OH
Originally Posted by Bangkok Dean
Getting close with GM hoping for next month
BTW do they still hold the frog follies in Evansville, was there in 79.
BTW do they still hold the frog follies in Evansville, was there in 79.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Sherwood Park Alberta
Originally Posted by Jughead
So, did you ask the Midas genius where he'd recommend you purchase these C3 dropped spindles? I'd love to hear his answer.
I'd love to hear his answer.He told me that there was a place in Edmonton that sold them. If that didn't work call the local lowriders club the "Dropsicles". These spindles are probably pretty $$$
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by vttedrm
He told me that there was a place in Edmonton that sold them. If that didn't work call the local lowriders club the "Dropsicles". These spindles are probably pretty $$$
If you find them, please post, they are the C3 Holy Grail.
Cutting the coils still the cheapest route.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8,295
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From: one night in Bangkok you are never lonely
Originally Posted by don1982c
Yes the frog follies are this weekend in Evansville.
It has been many years ago that I was their with the Cincy street rod club. Lots of fun back then, sail cats if I remember correctly. If you can post a few pictures in General of OT it would be nice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
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From: Gig Harbor Wa
Originally Posted by Jughead
So, did you ask the Midas genius where he'd recommend you purchase these C3 dropped spindles? I'd love to hear his answer.
I'd love to hear his answer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
For what its worth. Dick Guldstrand sells extra long springs to be cut by the consumer for desired ride height.
From his website:
"Coils are supplied long so the customer may tailor ride height."
Cutting the coils is the proper way to lower the front.
From his website:
"Coils are supplied long so the customer may tailor ride height."
Cutting the coils is the proper way to lower the front.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Cutting the springs is the easiest and cheapest way by far. Drop spindals is the $$ way but its more effective and does not affect geometry. Shorter springs has the effect of preloading the suspension, so you lose some travel, maybe not enough to worry about, but maybe so.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
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From: Virginia
A procedure for lowering a BMW by cutting the springs is:
1) Cutting 1 coil will lower it about 1 1/2".
2) Use a hacksaw.
3) Heat the spring with a torch about one half coil from where you cut it. When it is hot tap it against a concrete floor, this is to eliminate the pigtail and allow it to sit correctly in the perch.
I did this and it seemed to work great. The suspension was stiffer than before, somewhat like a sport suspension would be.
Don't know how this procedure would work on a Vette.
1) Cutting 1 coil will lower it about 1 1/2".
2) Use a hacksaw.
3) Heat the spring with a torch about one half coil from where you cut it. When it is hot tap it against a concrete floor, this is to eliminate the pigtail and allow it to sit correctly in the perch.
I did this and it seemed to work great. The suspension was stiffer than before, somewhat like a sport suspension would be.
Don't know how this procedure would work on a Vette.
