http://www.hotchkis.net/cgi-bin/EDCstore.pl?user_action=category&category=Shop by Make;Buick;Skylark They feel that the '68 to '70 Skylark and the '71 to '72 are in different categories uzzled: I'm not on my PC right now, but I'm e-mailing them later on tonight
Not sure why they do that. When you go into the categories the parts are for 64-72 A-Bodies Their website has greatly improved since when I ordered my springs, which is cool.
I e-mailed them about my concerns regarding ordering from them when they break down the suspension parts by incorrect year It's a little scary. I expect screw ups like this from AutoZone, not Hotchkis. It's a mistake they didn't catch, no doubt...but the Chevelle is listed that way, too. I can't help but worry what's been mistakenly overlooked elsewhere. That error hardly give me the warm fuzzies, especially since I was just going to look through the Chevelle stuff to see what they had. Imagine my surprise when that was listed as 68-70 and then as 71-72, too uzzled: A good reputation holds little water with me in cases like this. Who else has bought stuff from them, and what were your experiences?
Im guessing that the reason it is set up that way is because instead of doing static webpages, they built or had built a dynamic web content manager and when they entered the categories they did them in 2 year increments. I called them - I didnt order online, and they were VERY helpful over the phone... and he even knew that the buick 455 would only weigh what a SBC would weigh if i had aluminum heads :TU:
Glad to hear it Eric. that website may turn some folks off, though- it gives the appearance of them not knowing what years are similar and what years aren't. I think sometimes folks who make ads and whatnot don't look at them through anyone's eyes but their own, and never see an issue with obvious things
One other thing that is wrong with them is that they utilize poly bushings in all of their components. It doesn't appear that they've come out with any original ideas for components either. The tall spindle and shorter upper A Arm, and the rear end braces were all in existance long before they arrived on the scene. Hotchkis doesn't impress me in the least. My $.02
I agree with both statements above - one thing that is lacking in the automotive aftermarket industry is their websites and desire to move towards a more web enriched business. I hope to have a part in changing that some day :TU: As for no original ideas - I agree. Its just an easy place for me (and others) to get quality made equipment at decent prices. I think if I had to do it all over, I probably would have gone with Global West (I like the results they are getting with their A-Body suspensions) but I am absolutely pleased with the ride and handling of the hotchkis springs. I had planned on going all Poly anyway (its that way in my other car) so their choise (although limited) is ok by me :grin:
Hey Eric! I may be a bit radical in my opinion as far as Poly is concerned, but I have my reasons. I hate the squeaking, AND more importantly - my rear suspension is completely bound up. I have crap traction even with 285-40-ZR17's This is because the suspension is not reacting. The poly bushings are binding it. I even noticed when I merely changed out the bushings in the rear end and added Edelbrock adjustable upper arms. Squeak Squeak. And yes, I lubed the crap out of them!
I've heard of the squeeking issues - I can handle that. My STi squeeks, bumps, thumps, etc (no sound deadening so I hear EVERYTHING, plus the inverted struts like to make some noise), but as far as the binding, I don't seem to have that problem. Do the bushings seem deformed? I've never heard of anyone having issues with binding and poly, and I know I dont have issues in the Subaru although its got a much different suspension design. I guess in that case it has me rethinking my decision to go all poly. I like the idea of ultimate handling but not if it will cause my suspension to bind. What type of lube did you use?
My skylark squeeks also. It has the poly bushings everywhere. The difference in the ride to me is worth it . I know many dont like all of the noise but my car used to be all over the road --- but it was quiet . Tires squeeled in the corners so I guess there was SOME squeeling. The ride quality is worth the the sacrifice to me . Plus I can only hear it if I lean on it when the car is sitting still anyway. It rumbles too much to hear it when its running !
you guy's ever check hrparts nstuff i just bought new rear control arms adjustable uppers and there super sway bar all there bushings are two piece with grease fittings look like real good stuff.
I used that super sticky lube that comes with the bushings. es, I can only hear the squeaking when the car is not running, but even though I don't weigh a ton, personally - I can sit on the rear quarter and the suspension barely moves! Well, that and I have lousy traction, and a super stiff ride - leads me to believe that the poly is binding. I'll chime in when I get the poly outta there! I'm man enough to admit I'm wrong, but if I'm right....
Interesting thoughts... I used sythetic grease on all of my bushings. I dont think my suspension is stiffer than it should be . I have a pretty stiff spring in it though because like you, I have it set up to corner as well as a 72 A body can. Now the other thing is I know the first gear in my Nash is a 3.25. There arent many street tires that can hold up to a bunch of torque and that much first gear multiplication. I dont know what your first gear is but that might be part of it ... George in DC
Yes. My book says 3.27 first gear - same thing. Maybe that's a larger oart of the problem than I have considered? Well, I AM anxious to try out the spherical bushings, etc. I'll start a thread w/ pics when I'm done.
