cut coil springs

Discussion in 'The whoa and the sway.' started by 72lesabrecustom, Jun 20, 2007.

  1. Are there any negative effects from cutting one coil off of some new stock height springs for front and rear? Will it shorten the lifespan or make my car more bouncy?


    -shawn
     
  2. GotTattooz

    GotTattooz Well-Known Member

    It depends on how you cut them. If you use a cut-off wheel, hacksaw or sawzall, there won't be any real danger. But if you torch them, then you'll make them brittle, and then it's not a matter of if, but when they'll break. And, in case you didn't know, the general rule of cutting springs is one inch for every half coil you cut off. The first coil is pigtailed, and doesn't necessarily apply. Good luck, and let us know how it turns out, and if you have any more questions.

    -Josh
     
  3. 87GN_70GS

    87GN_70GS Well-Known Member

    The more you cut, the stiffer the spring will be.
     
  4. thanks i'll try to take pictures and post them when i'm done
     
  5. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    I don't think you'll be able to cut the rear, the spring's OD tapers down on each end. Taking coils off could mean the spring would no longer fit in its perch.

    Devon
     
  6. GotTattooz

    GotTattooz Well-Known Member

    Oh, yeah. I wasn't even thinking about the rear springs. I've never cut them before. You might want to get a set of rear lowering springs. I have cut several front springs before, and haven't had any problems yet.

    - Josh
     
  7. Krownkrew06

    Krownkrew06 New Member

    Recently bought a 67' skylark with cut springs. Any ideas on where to get stock height coil springs. Either stock or aftermarket. Originally a show car but now sits too low. Another question is are "A" body parts interchangeable.....Any tips, suggestions, or ideas are welcomed. Email me with info. Thx
    Krownkrew06 at hotmail dot com....not enough post to sport a real email lol
     
  8. 70 gsconvt

    70 gsconvt Silver Level contributor

    I cut my front springs. I used a RotoZip with it's metal cutting blade. I went through the spring in less than 30 seconds. I didn't even use the hose I had ready to keep things cool. One full coil dropped my front end just over 1". The spring rate (stiffness) will increase doing it this way. But it is very easy to do. Just be careful removing the spring. Lots of stored up potential energy there.
     
  9. Tim

    Tim Silver Level contributor

    Phillip, I am replacing my front springs soon, any tips on how to get them out??
    Tim
     
  10. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    all 64-72 abodys have the same front springs

    64-66 same rear 67-72 are the same

    and you can use 67-72 springs on a 64-66
     
  11. GotTattooz

    GotTattooz Well-Known Member


    Rent a spring compressor. Some auto parts stores charge you the cost of the equipment you rent, then refund all of your money when you return it. There are 3 types that I know of.
    The first is a single threaded rod with 2 contraptions on it that look like the "Barrel of Monkeys" monkeys. You remove the shock absorber, and install the tool at the highest and lowest coils you can get to, making sure the hex head of the threaded rod is on the bottom. Tighten the threaded rod, and remove the compressed coil spring.
    The second type is 2 threaded rods with 2 hooks per rod that attach to the outside of the spring just like the first style, at the upper and lower most coils. Tighten each side evenly and remove the compressed coil spring.
    The third type is a clam-shell style, but it's for struts. I only mention it here, because it's very possible that the high school drop-out who knows nothing about cars that works at the auto parts store may try to rent you the third style. It looks like a pyramid with a threaded rod joining the 2 halves to pull the jaws together that will collapse the spring. Again these are for Struts with the springs mounted on top. You do not need this tool. Ask for the "Barrel of Monkeys" and watch them scratch their heads.

    -Josh
     

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