Ok, I got the motor(350) installed in my 54 belair,the problem now is the front still sits a little higher than the rear,I thought for sure the weight of the motor would bring it down more than it did.The problem is someone heated the front springs really bad,I was going to cut off 2 coils but im not sure if i can do that now,the rear has a 79 camaro rear end(so im told) with maybe an inch block. I would like to lower it more without spending alot of money that i dont really have by the way,so it needs to be cheap, any suggestions.right now the car has 3 steel wheels with 2157515 tires and 1 14 steel bias tire.Im going to have to replace the tires so also need suggestions on what size,their going to be white wall radials,thanks
Join national chevy (free with purchase) get some front lowering springs (a small block is LIGHTER than a stovebolt 6) http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153958&highlight=fenton you can put a 3/4" steel tube in between the spring pocket and the lower control arm for an almost free drop up front, drop spindles get you down better. as for the rear, I used posies + 3" blocks without a c-notch. about as low as possible, only 1" clearance. I run thin white stripe 205/75r14 (cheap) 15s will raise it a bit unless you use low profile tires, which may not have the white stripe.
Can you be a bit more specific about the 3/4" steel tube? Exactly how / where is this installed? Thank you
53 sled are you saying the springs have to be replaced,i read your link,was a little confusing to me wether he was talking about ford or chevy,good idea,going to look to see if i can do that to mine,was also thinking of 20575r14 tires just wasnt sure if they would look to small.looks just right on your car.
I believe you grind off the rivets and drill holes for the bolts, as pictured. With 2 coils cut i'm real close to the bump stops, but I still have the 235, so it's a touch lower.
If they were heated, then they need replaced works the same on both, just a little different in construction.
Here's our '53, stock front end rebuilt, SBC and Auto Trans, 2 coils cut from front springs, camaro rear end, still going down another 3" in the rear... PS: Don't pay attention to the grille of the car...that's the result of previous idiots with bondo that I've been peeling off for the past 2 weeks.
Are you guys molding that grille to the fenders or just cleaning it up to re-chrome? New54belair...the inline 6s actually weigh more than the small blocks, so that's why your car's sitting higher now. Other places to get replacement springs are Jamco and Eaton. You give them your application, engine size and amount you want your car lowered and they send you the appropriate springs. Bryan
Since the coils are already heated you should go ahead and replace them. BUT... I am pretty damn sure you can cut the ones you have. The ride may be a little funky but if yer on a budget...
soooo....I'm still alittle confused (dont have my car right here so I can look) is the '53 chevy lower a-arm a two piece that you can use the lower block on to lower the spring pocket??
None of the 49-54 chevys have two piece lower A arms, The only stock front end options are cut coils, dropped uprights or bags
The previous owners attempted to mold the factory '53 grill surround. I've gotten rid of all the filler and I'm going to cut the welds loose from the sheetmetal and get the grill rechromed, unless I can find another grille that is in "driver" condition.
Cool...thanks. Just lookin' for info on grille molding and trying to decide if I should do it on my car. I like the look when done right, but I'm not sure if filler's good enough for a job like this (sounds like it wasn't for the PO of that car). I really need to learn to lead... Anyway....sorry for the hijack. Bryan
hey rusk,the grill surround on my car is also moulded in (previuos owner did it)looks cool and must be durable cause car has sit along time and still looks good.Took pics and will post after i get a new cable for camera,hopfully saturday evening. JUst wondering if there are any interchangable springs from another make or model that i can get from the salvage yard down the road,I mean since im cutting them,no since in paying for new ones to cut??????????????????????
if the coils were heated in the first 2 coils what have you got to lose by cutting them. a little labor.
If you order the new ones corectly you wont have to cut them, they come pre lowered and have the correct spring rate for the amount of drop!
The Jalopy Journal
