cutting coils

ok just got the coils out for my 1951 chevy with i6. getting ready to cut, but i wanted to be sure....Do i cut from top or bottom? top comes to a flat point bottom is rounded..thanks johnny

 

Always cut off on the flat end as the "rounded" end is designed that way, so when the static load is put back onto the spring it will "settle" and find center by itself.

MII spring are perfectly cylindrically rolled at 6.0" in diameter with "flat" ends, at both ends, so they can be cut at either end.

REMEMBER -
1. Cut with a cut off wheel or band saw for best results.
2. If using a torch put the spring in a bucket of water, to limit the loss of spring temper and rating strength.
3. When you cut the spring length, even by 1/4 rotation, you effectively lower the spring movement "cycle" and create a stiffer ride.
4. Little cuts, rebuilding many times, keeps you from having to buy new springs.

 

I'd cut the coils on the bottom.

 

Cut only the end that dose not have flat end,remember that they get stiffer the more ya cut off. Most times it's good to make new cut end in same side and place as old end was if there is any indexing of spring pad mounts

 

while on paper it is supposed to be stiffer, you wont notice the difference, and usually the car will ride better after the cut than before.

 

ok one says cut top two says cut bottom.Anyone else have a thought...thanks guys for your help..johnny

 

Cut the bottom....If you look at the "A" frame, you will likely see that it has a step where the end of the coil fits in...The top will be flat to fit that flat part of the coil

 

take it out of the middle......

 

Bottom. Use a stone in your angle grinder or a cut off wheel.

 

thanks man!...lol johnny


mite try it. will i get me on the ground..

yep using cutoff wheel.......

 

I think I would take a bit of time and throw those in a blast cabinet for a bit too. Awfully rusty - blast them and check for pits.

 

Definitely cut the bottom, although Da Timan's way would be ever better!

 

How much are you cutting off?

 

bottom fo sho

 

well based on what i have seen on here im going to cut 1.1/2 off was thinking maybe 2...johnny

 

cut one coil, then loosely reassemble and check it for height. if you cut too much its kinda hard to put it back on.

 

Whats the coil to amount of drop ratio? Im gettin my 51 chevy soon...trying to soak up all I can....

 

2-3" per coil.

 

Thanks Tinman!

 

i have seen sharp edges (on broken springs) work there way through control arms. this might be an extreme but watch the edges of your cut.

 

On our 49 Fleetline we cut 1 1/2 off the BOTTOM. DON'T cut the top as you won't have a flat plane that you need for it to sit properly. Bottom sits in a coil end shaped seat.

1 1/2 coils gave us a nice mellow stance, looks low but not slammed.

 

Just spewed coffee on my keyboard!

 

well cut 1 1/2 coil so well see where it puts me. i have been wanting to do this for a long time. Lowerd the back about a year ago love the rake but the front sits to high i hope i still have some rake when it all done.we will see. So that why i just went for it. thank guys for all the help..johnny

 

well I cut 1 1/2 coils think im going to cut little more what do you think? johnny

 

cut another coil at least. Worse case scenario is that you cut too much and end up with new springs.
At least it makes it easier to put them back in now that they are shorter.

 

Definitely off the bottom, don't mess with the flat end. I used to do them with the torch, but submerge the spring in a bucket of water with just enough above the water line as not to impact the spring temper. It would have been nice to have had a grinder back then.

Bob

 

You can always make up or buy spring donuts to take up the slack in the case of an oooopppps.

Bob

 

yeah i think cut a little more. just want to clear front tire with no rubbing.johnny