How low is too low?

[Ira]

So as previously stated I want the car lowered but still want the thing driveable.

The springs will all be HD with one coil removed... however... is there a better way to lower these cars? I'm used to using dropped spindles in conjunction with lowering springs but this isn't a street rod so I thought I would ask the panel.

First should I cut coils? or is there a better way?

Secondly how much is too much for a non-dedicated street/race car?

Also remember I can't use an airbag system as that would break the limited budget I can allocate for this particular car.

Once again thanks for everyone's help here!

Ira

[TonyL]

So far as I know, there arent any drop spindles to fit these cars. So cutting coils is the only way. Using HD coils and wagon coils works better since they make up for the spring rate difference of the lost turn on the coil by cutting it off.

Mine are 1 3/4 cut off. About as low as can be done. And truthfully isn't safe. If i were to hit a big enough bump, and my suspension were to become unloaded, I'd have a real good chance of having the spring come loose. Since I drive on good roads, it's not too huge an issue.
I've had a few conversations with the guys at ridetech though. And If there's enough interest, we may be looking at having a bolt on air-ride system in the future for our cars. complete with tubular a-arms to combat bump steer and camber issues, as well as a host of other "wouldn't that be nice to have" features too.

[Ira]

Okay... that was pretty much what I thought the responses would be.

So the way I hear it a 1" chop off of the top of HD coils should get me about where I want... plus or minus.

Also I was asked for a couple of pictures... every forum differs. I assume I click the tab "upload attachment" at the bottom of the page and browse off of my hard drive if I don't have a URL for my photos... ie Photobucket.

IRa

[4carbcorvair]

Mine are 1 3/4 cut off. About as low as can be done. And truthfully isn't safe. If i were to hit a big enough bump, and my suspension were to become unloaded, I'd have a real good chance of having the spring come loose. Since I drive on good roads, it's not too huge an issue.
.

I have new replacement 2 inch drop HD springs, about 3 inches shorter than stock. With the front of the car jacked up, there is no chance of the springs coming out, still lots of pressure holding them in. When installing, I still had to jack up on the lower control arm to mount the lower ball joint. I honestly don't think you have to worry about the springs flying out.

IIRC, someone on FastVairs had done some work with S-10 drop spindles and made them work. Not sure what had to be done.... And my memory could be off on this one....

[mlevair]

I run S10 drop spindles on both of my race cars and it gives you disc brakes.

[Phil Dally]

Hate to say it but...I win again!!

Roof of the racecar is 47" off the deck.

[J.M]

I run S10 drop spindles on both of my race cars and it gives you disc brakes.

what modifications does this require to do?

[TonyL]

I run S10 drop spindles on both of my race cars and it gives you disc brakes.

I'd heard about this mod, but didn't know if it actually worked. Any pics of it? Or a "how to" article? Im very interested.
Since the speedo goes through the spindle, is having a working speedo just out of the question then?

[Ira]

Uhhh... Yeah... I agree... how to tips for dropped S-10 spindles would be great.

I have to go and get an S-10 steering column for our Model A.... so whilst I'm there.....

Ira

[Vanman]

To bad your not near me Ira, I have a extra column left over. And drop spindels are aftermarket.

[gwydionjhr]

Two thoughts.

1: If the S10 spindle has the same geometry as the LM 'vair, ball joint to ball joint height, wouldn't it be possible to have a 'vair spindle put into the ball joint to ball joint piece? (need more coffee, can't come up with the correct word)

2: On EMs I'd be curious to see if the 55-57 chevy Shockwaves aren't a direct bolt in. The EM car might even get away with the Shockwaves intended for the rear of a tri-5.

[Ira]

To bad your not near me Ira, I have a extra column left over. And drop spindels are aftermarket.

Yeah, Illinois is a bit of a haul from here.

The dropped spindles are aftermarket but I was referring to parting the calipers and hardware off of an S-10.

Ultimately I think I'm just going to cut the coils as I'm told the speedometer cable runs through the spindle... is this true?

Ira

[Vanman]

Another way to run a speedo is to get a magnetic pickup, fab a mount for the magnet and run the speedo that way. The VW guys do it, mostly on rails and buggys where you cant run a cable. But of course, your talking about spending more $. You have to use a electronic speedo also, VDO has a whole set up, CIP1.com sells the whole setup, minus the brackets to mount the pickup and magnet. They are usualy the cheapest, sorta like shopping for VW parts at Walmart, they buy in bulk.

[mlevair]

The S10 spindle geometry is similar enough to work. I have drilled the spindle to accept the speedo cable and grafted the bearing dust cup to the S10 cup to run the speedo it will work lots of work no money. YOu have to make the S10 spindle the same dimensions as the corvair where the ball joint sit and you have to bush the lower part of the spindle to accept the corvair ball joint. Making the bushing takes a special reamer.
I do this conversion if anyone is interested.

[mlevair]

heres a pic

[mlevair]

Phill I think we may have a tie on height I just measured my yellow car.