wanting to lower the 56 special

im wanting to get the 56 a little lower but dont plan on air ride for a while, i know cutting the springs is a bad idea but is that my only option?

thanks

 

any thought?

the new shocks just came in . IM READY TO DO THIS :Brow:

 

There are several places that sell new spring that will lower your car. See this thread for a couple:

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=140182

 

I would also like to know some options to lowering a car.
You may also want to ask over on The H.A.M.B. and KillBillet.
Update what you find here

 

dont want to spend $500 for new springs thats half of what it will be for air ride just wanting something cheap for right now either another car thats springs will swap and are lower or will it be a very bad idea to just cut a coil or two off the stocks :bglasses:

 

Contact Eaton Springs, they made a new set of front springs to my specifications and I am very happy with the results. I think I paid around $90.00 for the pair. Below is a link to their site.

eatonsprings.com

 

I'm pretty sure you can't cut your springs and make them fit. If your springs are like my 55's then they are pigtailed on the ends and cutting those off would keep your spring retainers from holding the springs in place.How about heating the coils? I've heard this ruins there tensile strength but many do it anyhow>
late
chad

 

Yes your coils are pig tailed on the 56. Can't be cut. Ordering new springs would be the way to go. You might want to keep in mind that your ride height might already be lower then stock, things settle after 52 years. Just a heads up on the airride, keep your shocks on the car. The bags will be a nice ride but the car will drift alot if the shocks aren't on there. Good luck.

 

Okay... Some will say I'm nuts... And some more experienced (older) gear heads can confirm or deny... But I know that people have heated up springs, one at a time, while measuring the distance say between the top of the tire and bottom of the fender, all around to get a lower ride height. At this day and age I wouldn't do it. (but I have done it in the past)
You just better be pretty conident with a torch and use a little forethought...:grin: