Well the time has come to lower the front end. It sits pretty high, and i'm told that these cars are like that stock.

Any recommendations or heads up on what do to or what not to do?

Thanks,
Davey

Mine was sitting high too, (supposed to from factory), but I thought I wanted to lower it....mine is 69 and former owner had worked on the front end so I dont know if those front springs were correct(or what was in there)...But I did cut one full coil off my front and car sits nicely now, and rides somewhat stiffer.....I run 245x60x14 tires , and seem to do fine...only put 100+- miles on it since that was done, so not sure if any problem could pop up later, like w passengers...

Not knowing your year model or tire size, cant tell you it will work, but I can measure mine , well opening to ground all four wheels if that helps (if you have 69)...

you could possibly lower it less w coil spring adjusters that clamp down the coil too?

i cut mine once too. i liked it.

you can get, i think, just about any height and spring rate you want in a new spring. you can try eaton or detroit spring. just dont get moog or perfect circle springs from classic, autozone, or local stores. they will ride way too high.

there are also adjustable height springs and spacers available.

I agree 100%. My springs from classic have the car ridding on the A-arm bumpers. I still havent decided to cut them or change them out.

I ordered the correct springs for my coupe at the local auto parts store. After I installed them it was obvious that they were too long. I cut one coil off the springs and they are perfect. I used a fiber cut off wheel to do the job. It's best not to use heat(torch) on springs because you will change the hardness and they can become brittle or weak.
Jim

You guys are out of control! Front end too high, with stock springs? What are you using, 13 inch rims? The FGF front end is supposed to be high, big and mean looking!!! Its looking up and forward like it can't be held back! I vote don't mess with that angle, you are modifying a classic.

the "stock" springs put my rocker panel about a foot off the ground. the shocks were almost topped out. i cut off 2 coils and fit 225/50/16" tires in. 1 coil put it a little higher than the rear, which is too high. in my pic the front is a little too low, and the rear is a little too high.

i have a 6, so my situation is slightly different, but i guarantee, John, if you installed moog springs, you would be very unhappy, unless you enjoy watching the sky instead of the road while you drive.

69 350 - 245/60/15

1 full coil should do it?

When I said I bought stock springs I meant that I ordered stock springs and MOOG sent me the wrong ones.
The Birds were low slung from the factory. I have a 1969 vintage poster and the rear is low and the front is just a touch higher. Pretty smart too because this is the perfect stance for weight transfer to the rear wheels for traction during acceleration. I found that the high front and/or rear suspension is terrible for handling. You must keep the center of gravity low to minimize body roll.
I would only cut one coil first because you can easily cut too much. Cutting one coil dropped my car about an inch and a half.
Jim

Davey , w 15 " rims , I`m not sure you can cut one coil...
I had 25 1/4" between fender opening and ground w my 14" rims, cut one coil (of course , I`m not sure what type or which stiffness springs I had)and its now 23 1/4" (and I have about two fingers +_1.5" between tire and opening when car sits empty, have not checked w/ me (185lbs) in the car....need another person to measure..lol), the rear was and still is at 24".....
it also depends on your tire pressure to some degree...

maybe half coil thwen go from there? I just want to even out that gap, but i did hear something rubbing today on a sharp turn

I just got some rallyII blasted painted and those tires put on (man they look so good )

You cant cut 1/2 coil ,need to be full coils , there`s an indentation for the end of the coils to fit in....

ok, thank you bjorn

I have only experimented with cutting a half coil...and it worked ok...didn't lower the car enough to my liking.

I highly recommend the Hotchkiss front coil springs. 155 bucks a set and worth it if you want the front end to sit lower and perform well. If you can afford it get the Hotchkiss matching rear leafs for about 375 bucks. Your car will handle excellent.

I can email you photos.

well, if you dont put the end of the coil in the 'slot' (indentation)...it may not get into the correct place and the two sides may become different....cutting a full coil will let the springs sit correctly, just like its supposed to..

Yep, your right Bjorn. I'd never go with cutting a half coil again Bjorn because of that. I should have mentioned that.

Hey Davey, good to see you back... it's been a while!

I agree, try to cut the least amount you can (one coil) and if that's not right (not low enough) you can go from there. But I think that will be pleanty. But if it's just rught, but not the right spring rate (too cushy and rubs under cornering) then you can go the route of new Hotchkis springs or the like... just take it step by step, and go from there. Mine is just about where I want it front and back.



Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!