alternative original springs and shocks

[dutchair]

hello,

i've got a question about the original springs and shocks.

I want to replace the original (front) springs and shocks on my 65 sedan because they are all worn out after 50 years .

but i was wondering what would be the best or the alternative for the original springs and shocks.
the original are hard to get here in europe, so i'm looking for a set of new springs and shocks.
I found a set of springs, but unfortunally they are a bit to short i think. the springs are 9.45 inch and the original are 13.39 inch a differenc of almost 4 inch
I was planning on lowering the car about 1 inch for a better stance, but 4 inch is probaly a bit to much. i guess the tires wil hit the fender when i'm steering in and out.



(BTW) has anybody a good suggestion for getting the springs back into his place ? it's a hell of a job to get it in because the springs are very long and there is not enough room for using spring spanners

[notched]

Clark's has very nice reproductions for the coil springs. They also offer Gabriel and Koni shocks. The Koni's are VERY expensive though. I have KYB shocks on the front of my car that I bought from California Corvairs.

[66vairguy]

On a LM car (65-69) the front springs rarely need to be replaced. In fact the Corvair sat front high from the factory to accommodate the full trunk weight rating. Many actually cut a coil from the front stock springs.

There are a lot of opinions on springs and shocks. It comes down to the kind of ride you want, do you want the car lowered, etc. You sound like you are trying to keep the costs down. If the original front springs are not cut I would NOT replace them. The rear springs are ALWAYS collapsed due to the weight in the rear. I just change the rear springs with reproduction units from Clark's and the car usually sits level. Only Clark's sells the correct length shocks as far as I know. Gabriel has a contract with Clark's Corvair to make the correct length shocks and Gabriel ONLY will sell to Clark's direct. A fellow that once worked for Gabriel posted the even he could not buy the Corvair shocks from Gabriel. I like the Gabriel strider since it is adjustable (out of the car). Be aware that the rear shock is also an integral part of the suspension since it limits the rear wheel travel downward so the travel length is important. The Gabriel Red Ryder shocks are typically firmer. I have no experience with the Corvair Koni shocks, although my past experiences with Koni shocks is excellent. You might check with Koni and see if they list shocks for the Corvair you could order locally. Good luck.

[dutchair]

I know that clarks sells shocks that will fit my corvair, but i'm looking for a alternative of other manufactures.
I can buy a set at clarks but i have to pay a lot of money for shipping and import tax. so that's why wanted to know if there are shocks of other brands that also fit, and i can buy here in holland. (so i don't have to pay extra for shipping\import tax)

[bbodie52]

http://www.koni.com/car-racing/home/

Since Koni is based in the province of South Holland (Oud Beijerland, NL), I would suspect that you would have a distinct advantage in pricing if you are able to obtain Koni shocks for your Corvair from a local distributor or source in Holland.

Searching the Koni website for Chevrolet Corvair did not produce a result, so I don't know if these items for Corvair are a special production run or if you will have some difficulty with obtaining Koni shocks for Late Model Corvairs locally because the Corvair may not be included in their standard catalogs.

Here are the Koni shock absorber part numbers provided by Rick Loving on the Corvair Center website...


http://corvaircenter.com/phorum/read.ph ... 818,197663
1965-1969 Chevrolet Corvair
80 1739 (front)
80 1740 (rear)

The original REAL late model KONI numbers are
Front 80A-1739
Rear 80-1740

Here is another coil spring source that can provide Corvair springs, but they are also located in the USA...

I suspect this source could build Corvair springs that would be properly calibrated to produce desired support and body height. They would be familiar with spring design, so that correct materials and other parameters could be chosen to result in a safe design that would produce needed support, fitment, and ride height. Just click on "Request a Quote" and dial in the information about your car, including desired ride height adjustments and lowering...

Antique / Hot Rod Coil Springs

These symbols of yesterday can be found getting a new life for the road in garages all across the world. Although most are being restored to their original condition, many are after a specific look, such as the gasser look of the race track or the slow and low easy rider of Main Street. Whatever your goal, Coil Spring Specialties has the expertise to set your project vehicle at your desired height. And don't over look weight changes. These changes can significantly change the load dynamics and trim height of your vehicle. So if you gain or lose a few pounds due to engine swaps or chassis and body modifications, we can compensate for these changes with a new pair of springs.

Whatever the make or model, from classic collectibles to muscle cars, show-stopping originals to clones, we have supplied auto enthusiasts with coil springs, all 100% calibrated to fulfill their suspension needs.

We build each set of springs to your vehicle's specifications. We will need YEAR, MAKE, MODEL, ENGINE SIZE, TRANSMISSION TYPE, and A/C to put into account for each car we engineer for, as all these options play into the manufacturing of your springs

http://www.coilsprings.com/classic.aspx

Call (785) 437-2025

[66vairguy]

Corvair folks have used Coil Spring Specialists and the comments I heard were all good. One odd thing though. I emailed them for a quote based on a my Corvair's year and model and the price was considerably more than Clark's. A buddy suggested I try for a second quote, but to submit the GM part number for the springs. I did and the price dropped by 30%!!!! Not sure why.

[dutchair]

thanks bbody52 for your reply and links,

I've looked at the website of koni. and when i type the partnumber, they come up with shocks for a audi a3

i guess that the shock is the same as for a audi (on the pic the look the same ) biggest problem for me is the price. The koni's are pretty expensive and i know a hobby cost money but my corvair is not a daily driver and i have enough other costs to keep the car on the road, so i think i'll go for kyb gr-2\excel-g shocks. they seem to be a little bit cheaper\affordable.
Or just look on ebay for a set shocks (there is no rush,plenty other things to do on my corvair )

(BTW, here a pic of my old shocks)

[Roelof]

Hi fellow dutchie,

You can try Eeltink Veertechniek in Heemskerk. They might have the correct springs or can fabricate something. I don't know if they can supply you the correct shocks, but you might be better off ordering them from the us anyway. Koni's are very expensive here and I guess you will have a better deal ordering them from the us.

Roelof

[dutchair]

thanks everyone, but i've found a set shocks here in holland for a decent price.

the brand is "wizard" (never heard of it) but they where sold to me as shocks for a lm corvair and they have the right size.

[ss64II]

Hey Dutchair
Can I ask if the shocks fitted ok?
I need a set for my 65 Monza here in the UK.

Do you have part numbers etc?
Thanks