Register now to get rid of these ads!

Help lowering a 1963 Fairlane 500

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by De-Be, Oct 14, 2013.

  1. De-Be
    Joined: Dec 14, 2012
    Posts: 6

    De-Be
    Member
    from Melbourne

    G'day everyone
    Wanting to lower my 1963 Ford Fairlane 500, and wondering how to go about it.

    I am not very keen on cutting or heating coils, so i was hoping to find some lowered coils available, but so far haven't had any luck finding anyone who makes some.

    I have heard about the UCA/Shelby drop, but was also wondering if anyone can tell me if this can be done on the 63', as i read it's mainly for 65' and over?

    Anyway, hopefully some of you might have a few answers and tips for me on lowering this thing, cheers!

    Oh, and if any of you have know of a supplier of lowered coils for the 63', go ahead and sing out, i am in Australia but could surely get them here somehow.


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  2. Search dropped spindles, you will no doubg find a manufactturer that makes dropped spindles and springs for it.

    We used to use rewound station wagion springs. Find you a set of good springs and take them to a spring shop and have them rewound. They can use the entire spring and make it shorter.
     
  3. TinShed
    Joined: Mar 3, 2011
    Posts: 553

    TinShed
    Member

    I just lowered mine last night. I took out 2 coils, I cut mine. I now have the look I want but the tires rub like a mofo. New smaller tires to be ordered today.
     
  4. stealthcruiser
    Joined: Dec 24, 2002
    Posts: 3,750

    stealthcruiser
    Member

    Do a search on here that starts out:"A cheap and great alternative....", of folks using Ford Aerostar springs on this era vehicle.

    Not sure if you have a similar vehicle down under, but see if it's applicable to your vehicle.
     
  5. stealthcruiser
    Joined: Dec 24, 2002
    Posts: 3,750

    stealthcruiser
    Member

  6. De-Be give Betta Truck and Car Springs in Dandenong or Oakleigh Spring works a call.

    Just rememebr it aint low till the bumpstops hold it up.... :D
     
  7. Don't heat your springs but you can cut a 1/2 coil at a time,,it will amaze you how much drop you will get. HRP
     
  8. The 'Shelby drop' can't be done on the 62-65 Fairlanes or Mercury Meteors as the suspension design is different from every other Ford car of that vintage. Best bet is springs and/or dropped spindles...
     
  9. TinShed
    Joined: Mar 3, 2011
    Posts: 553

    TinShed
    Member

    [​IMG]

    This is my car, 2 coils cut on front stock rear. I like it as is. 205/75/14 on the front, it does rub a very small amount at full turn.
     
  10. Coil spring specialties about 200 bucks
     
  11. 1964countrysedan
    Joined: Apr 14, 2011
    Posts: 1,132

    1964countrysedan
    Member
    from Texas

    That is funny. Kinda makes sense to start with tire sizing first,huh?
     
  12. mtflat
    Joined: Jan 28, 2003
    Posts: 422

    mtflat
    Member

    Nice looking car TinShed - my dad bought a new one when I was a kid... ah, memories
     
  13. JoeyP.
    Joined: May 19, 2013
    Posts: 160

    JoeyP.
    Member

    I have a 64 and I cut 1-1/2 coils out of the front, and a couple leafs in the rear, and am happy with the way it turned out. No problems yet. Which every way you decide, be very careful removing and installing the coils.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  14. De-Be
    Joined: Dec 14, 2012
    Posts: 6

    De-Be
    Member
    from Melbourne

    Nice rides guys, i found a supplier here that sells 45mm ( about 1mm short of 2") Lowered springs for the 63', i am going to call back tomorrow and ask a few more questions.

    One question that i do have though is how heigh is the 4 doors stock height? I read "ground clearance" is 140mm, but that i guess is from the lowest point in the underside and not the bottom of doors/sills.

    So does anyone know what the stock measurement of the bottom of doors/sills is, so i can measure mine-check if its stock as is-then subtract the 45 and see how it'd look?
     
  15. Merqry56
    Joined: Aug 20, 2013
    Posts: 36

    Merqry56
    Member

    My Brother's 63 coils removed, lowered to desired height & retention. Rides & handles great[​IMG]
     
  16. Merqry56
    Joined: Aug 20, 2013
    Posts: 36

    Merqry56
    Member

  17. willbierfarms
    Joined: Oct 25, 2013
    Posts: 145

    willbierfarms
    Member
    from palmyra mo

    I cut mine years and years ago plus I'm using Granada spindles to get disk brakes on the front. I got tie rod ends from crites but this was in the mid 1990's too I don't know if he is even around anymore



    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.