Coil spring replacement - Look what I found!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Coil spring replacement - Look what I found!
I was never happy with the ride height after I rebuilt the front suspension two years and 8k miles ago. I decided to tear it down and install some 460lb Grand Touring springs. I pulled the left front apart in under an hour. Pics and info at http://home.hvc.rr.com/joesvette/coilspings.htm.
Anyway, I think this was some kind of omen or meant to be. Check out the brake line in the pic below. When I did the job two years ago, wanting to keep things close to stock, I used new rubber flex lines. I don't think I'll be doing that again.
Anyway, I think this was some kind of omen or meant to be. Check out the brake line in the pic below. When I did the job two years ago, wanting to keep things close to stock, I used new rubber flex lines. I don't think I'll be doing that again.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,929
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (78Vette-SA)
Looks like a pig inside a Python! :lol: Guess you got there just in time.
I don't like most "stock" parts. I switched the rubber hoses for SS braided shortly after I bought my '70.
1hr and you got the spring out! :eek: That's fast.
I don't like most "stock" parts. I switched the rubber hoses for SS braided shortly after I bought my '70.
1hr and you got the spring out! :eek: That's fast.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (78Vette-SA)
So what would you guys/gals do if you found out that your trusty brakes were on the verge of a meltdown because of what I consider to be an eample of poor quality control. How else could this happen after only 2 years.
I checked all the other lines and fortunately they are ok. I will order the SS Braided ones on Tuesday. In the meantime, the more I think about this the madder I get. Could have been a disaster.
:mad
I checked all the other lines and fortunately they are ok. I will order the SS Braided ones on Tuesday. In the meantime, the more I think about this the madder I get. Could have been a disaster.
:mad
Racer
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 478
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (78Vette-SA)
Bummer....I just ordered new rubber for mine yesterday, this has really got me worried now. Wish I had ordered braided now.
YBnormal..Drive a Vette :nopity
YBnormal..Drive a Vette :nopity
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 9
From: Fairport NY
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (Ybnormal)
Joe, That's scary. I went with braided lines last year. I've always checked my lines annually. You never know what you may find. Rod :cheers:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (78Vette-SA)
As I was pulling my car apart, I found all kinds of "Holy SHEEEEEEEET" surprises. The best was a fuel line made of swiss cheese, conveniently located next to my headers. Fire Department, please?
So far, my brake lines look good. But the runout on my rotors is getting tight. So I'll tackle the line with the rotors. Whenever that is.
So far, my brake lines look good. But the runout on my rotors is getting tight. So I'll tackle the line with the rotors. Whenever that is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 1
From: Fishkill NY
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (78Vette-SA)
WOW Joe!!! Holy brake job!! I was down in my garage polishing my wheels.. I finished the driver side now when I go to do the other side tomorrow, guess I'm going to check my brake lines!! :crazy: :eek:
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 29,077
Likes: 0
From: Deep East Texas
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (SLICKMAN)
I've got the S.S. braided ones on the back and rubber on the front. When I rebuilt the rear I put on the S.S. lines. The slot that the spring clip goes thru was too wide. I had to Bubba it up using two stacked clips. These were DOT Approved lines that I bought from Mid-America. Later I did the front rebuild. I had the S.S. lines, but did not use them. I had to buy one new rubber line and I got it at a local parts house. I'm not putting down the S.S. lines. I think they work fine. Just be sure you get lines that are made correctly.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,032
Likes: 2
From: Newburgh NY
Re: Coil spring replacement - Look what I found! (Mack76)
I've got the S.S. braided ones on the back and rubber on the front. When I rebuilt the rear I put on the S.S. lines.
One thing, I was orignally going to just do the front for now but several that I talked to recommended against it. I was told you should do all 4 at the same time if you're gonna do it.
I figured I might as well but really don't know why other than perhaps differences in brake pressure between front and rear.
