[Novadream]

I installed a TCI clip on my '66 hardtop and like the quality of the components, 12" Willwood brakes and M2 power rack and pinion. After 18 months of disassembly, cuttting, welding, painting and drive train building, I now have it moving under it's own power. WOO HOO. But I am not happy with the cars stance. The front end is still too high compared to the rear which has new multileaf springs.

TCI tells me that the 300# springs will settle in 500 miles to where the A-arms are level to the ground. They mistakenly sent me 350# springs at first which were way wrong. The suspension was topped out with me sitting on the core support. The 300's are better but I still think the spring rate is too much. I have the battery in the trunk and have aluminum heads plus the lighter TCI clip which should pull about 100+ lbs off the front end I think.

I know I can drop the front end by cutting 1/2 or a full coil but that will just raise the spring rate which is too firm already compared to the rear leafs which feel good on bumps and dips. I'm considering the Heidts 275# springs as an option for a smoother ride and a lower ride. Has anyone tried 275# springs in a similar set up? Thanks for the help.

 

[Tom Griffin]

I run a similar setup, I used the 300's and cut about a quarter coil off. 275's are way to mushy, I ran them for a season and switched back to 300's. It takes more than a month for them to settle
Tg

 

[vuss6t6]

Did you have any problem with the springs fitting it the upper spring pocket?I have the powder coated springs and it is tight.

 

[Novadream]

I run a similar setup, I used the 300's and cut about a quarter coil off. 275's are way to mushy, I ran them for a season and switched back to 300's. It takes more than a month for them to settle
Tg

Thanks Tom you've made me feel better. I suppose a quarter coil won't raise the rate very much. I should calcuate the new spring rate. It probably won't go up more than 10 lbs/in.
I'll flog them for a month or so and if the A arms still aren't level to the ground, I'll pull them out and slice off a quarter. I Normally grind a radius on cut off ends of the spring to lessen the potential squeeks later.

This week I hope to put in the back glass, get insurance, smog check and license tags. I can't wait to see how it runs on the open road.

 

[Novadream]

Did you have any problem with the springs fitting it the upper spring pocket?I have the powder coated springs and it is tight.

No, the pockets were fine for fit. I did have trouble getting the coil spring compressor that I borrowed from Autozone clamped on the correct coils to allow me to place them in the TCI pocket. Sometimes the hooks would slip. I added some moly grease to the threads and cranked slowly which worked out better. Coils under pressure make me nervous. I like my fingers the way they are.

 

[chevyIIheavy]

This week I hope to put in the back glass, get insurance, smog check and license tags. I can't wait to see how it runs on the open road.

you have to smog your car down in arvada didnt think co had those type of laws. my family lives there up above boulder ( blackhawk / central city )

 

[vuss6t6]

No, the pockets were fine for fit. I did have trouble getting the coil spring compressor that I borrowed from Autozone clamped on the correct coils to allow me to place them in the TCI pocket. Sometimes the hooks would slip. I added some moly grease to the threads and cranked slowly which worked out better. Coils under pressure make me nervous. I like my fingers the way they are.

I know how you feel about the springs under pressure.
As far the springs fitting in the spring pockets i have not tried to put a lot of pressure on them,just by hand.They seem real tight.I figure if i have to i will sand some of the powder coat of and spray with paint.It will only be 1 coil on outer edge.won't be visible.

 

[Novadream]

Colorado smog check

you have to smog your car down in arvada didnt think co had those type of laws. my family lives there up above boulder ( blackhawk / central city )

Our smog check for Classic cars is a dream. They sniff the exhaust at idle to check for excessively rich running. The acceptable levels are pretty high. The best part is the test is good forever and the Collector Car plate tags are good for 5 years, not just one.

 

[Chori]

i wish progressive springs were available