Crazy idea
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 46
From: Charlotte NC
Crazy idea
I need to raise the driver side front just 1/2". Would it be nuts to pull the coil and slide on a length of heater hose?
FWIW I have the 600 lb coils without flattened ends and they are easily removed/reinstalled without a spring compressor
FWIW I have the 600 lb coils without flattened ends and they are easily removed/reinstalled without a spring compressor
Last edited by 68notray; Nov 11, 2017 at 07:19 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Why you want to or need to isnt my business,
Well, some might call is hack job,
But some cars have rubber cushions in the spring pockets,
I have seen ones sold aftermarket to raise a car
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...BoC1yAQAvD_BwE
so i would likely do it,
But you have to make up your mind if its right for you,
Well, some might call is hack job,
But some cars have rubber cushions in the spring pockets,
I have seen ones sold aftermarket to raise a car
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...BoC1yAQAvD_BwE
so i would likely do it,
But you have to make up your mind if its right for you,
Last edited by The13Bats; Nov 11, 2017 at 07:05 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 289
Likes: 32
Make sure your tires are fully inflated before doing anything. And if your C3 isn't a daily driver I would just screw a couple of coil spring spacers into that spring. You can get those spacers from AutoZone or Pep Boys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,656
Likes: 1,357
Go to doc rebuild website and find these:
1963-1982 Corvette Coil Spring 3/8" Spacer Genuine GM 3789664 NOS
or
1963-1982 Corvette Coil Spring 9/16" Spacer Genuine GM 3789665 NOS
I'm reluctant to add a link since I do not know what is acceptable. Note that there are 3/8" spacers and 9/16" spacers.
And speedway also has a 3/4" spacer that states it can be trimmed:
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-...ick,23895.html
1963-1982 Corvette Coil Spring 3/8" Spacer Genuine GM 3789664 NOS
or
1963-1982 Corvette Coil Spring 9/16" Spacer Genuine GM 3789665 NOS
I'm reluctant to add a link since I do not know what is acceptable. Note that there are 3/8" spacers and 9/16" spacers.
And speedway also has a 3/4" spacer that states it can be trimmed:
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-...ick,23895.html
Last edited by carriljc; Nov 11, 2017 at 07:41 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 707
Likes: 147
From: St. Petersburg Florida
I had the typical left side sag in my car. I just replaced the front left spring and it leveled out perfectly. As cheap as springs are I'd rather have a new one rather than try to make a worn out one work.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
They used to sell little metal twist-in spacers that got inserted between adjacent coils, for "stiffening" (and slightly raising) a weak spring. Normally, one would put two or those in the spring on opposite sides of the spring (to even it up). I'd bet you can still find them at JC Whitney. I think they called them spring extenders or spring stiffeners.
If you can find them, $5 and 5 minutes will fix you up.
If you can find them, $5 and 5 minutes will fix you up.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Nov 11, 2017 at 09:23 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
They used to sell little metal twist-in spacers that got inserted between adjacent coils, for "stiffening" (and slightly raising) a weak spring. Normally, one would put two or those in the spring on opposite sides of the spring (to even it up). I'd bet you can still find them at JC Whitney. I think they called them spring extenders or spring stiffeners.
If you can find them, $5 and 5 minutes will fix you up.
If you can find them, $5 and 5 minutes will fix you up.
But did help the worn springs not bottom out,
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,056
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From: Long Island
I would be careful with the twist in coil spring spacers - over time the spring will bend around the spacer.
Speedway and others sell spacers that fit under the spring to lift the nose. You may be able to find a spring cushion from another car that fits under the spring and gives you the lift you desire.
Since springs are cheap, you could have one made or just purchase a longer spring. A good spring shop can give you a spring that meets your needs.
A final choice would be Coil over shocks. This may / will require some fab work - depending on the choice of shocks. (but totally adjustable)
Speedway and others sell spacers that fit under the spring to lift the nose. You may be able to find a spring cushion from another car that fits under the spring and gives you the lift you desire.
Since springs are cheap, you could have one made or just purchase a longer spring. A good spring shop can give you a spring that meets your needs.
A final choice would be Coil over shocks. This may / will require some fab work - depending on the choice of shocks. (but totally adjustable)
Last edited by BLUE1972; Nov 12, 2017 at 10:13 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 827
Likes: 119
From: Lincoln NE Riding and Driving Corvettes since 1967.
are you sure that both springs are clocked into the lower control arm correctly?
Seen plenty of experts replace them in the wrong orientation and that will affect ride height from left to right side.
bigredbrad
Seen plenty of experts replace them in the wrong orientation and that will affect ride height from left to right side.
bigredbrad
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 699
Likes: 46
From: Charlotte NC
Thanks all. I used the proper rubber 3/8 spacer already and it raised that side over an inch so I was just thinking of something to lift it half that much. Springs are not worn out they are new. I'll just go back in it and use the same spacer and cut 1/4 coil off. Thanks, done deal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,027
They used to sell little metal twist-in spacers that got inserted between adjacent coils, for "stiffening" (and slightly raising) a weak spring. Normally, one would put two or those in the spring on opposite sides of the spring (to even it up). I'd bet you can still find them at JC Whitney. I think they called them spring extenders or spring stiffeners.
If you can find them, $5 and 5 minutes will fix you up.
If you can find them, $5 and 5 minutes will fix you up.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 778
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Sure, thats all i needed on that car it was a beater,
I ran my mustang 2 ( hopped up 302 ) with them over 30k dd miles no issues with popping out on a turn or the spring bending around them,
I cant see the spring ever bending around them but if the coils moved and opened right i could see them popping out,
Ive seen them laying in the road where they likely fell out,