Frame / Springs: Coil Springs

[aftontrix]

I need new springs on the front of my 1957 Silver Hawk. It was originally a 6 cylinder but someone has put a 289 v8 in it. I contacted the spring folks in Kansas and they want to know how much weight the engine swap added to the vehicle. Can anyone tell me how much additional weight this swap added? Thanks

[StudeDave57]

Can anyone tell me how much additional weight this swap added? Thanks

Why not just tell them you have a 289 in your Hawk, and 'forget' to mention it used to be a six?
They have the Stude part numbers for them all- just go with that...
(happy happy customer of those nice folks in Kansas)



StudeDave '57

[aftontrix]

studedave57,
Will the V8 springs fit a frame that was originally built for a six cylinder engine? . As long as the springs will fit without modification, that would work.

thanks

[64V-K7]

The control arms for all the cars are the same. The coil springs will fit any of them.. The Avanti used HD 6cyl coil springs as standard issue

[aftontrix]

64V-K7
Thanks for the info. Then I should be able to buy the V8 standard coil springs from SI and they would work on my originally 6 cylinder car. Is that correct?
I have never replaced springs. How difficult is it? Thanks

[StudeRich]

This is normally a job for an experienced front end and alignment Shop to do.

You COULD do it with some basic mechanical skills and a Shop Manual, but if you are not very careful, it CAN be quite dangerous. A spring compressor is a must.

[Guest]

don't forget the pads

If you replace the springs be sure to remember to put new pads at the top & bottom of the spring. These are just rubber rings that insulate between the spring and A-arm. I put in in new springs once and skipped the pads- got a lot of nasty front end noise. Had to do it all over again to get the pads in there. SI should have them.

[aftontrix]

Thanks for the info guys. I got a quote of $205 from Coil Springs Specialties in Kansas. They have been recommended by folks on this forum. SI has springs for $150. Are the Coil Specialties springs any better? Also, any idea what the cost might be to have them installed? Thanks

[StudeDave57]

apples to apples

Thanks for the info guys. I got a quote of $205 from Coil Springs Specialties in Kansas. They have been recommended by folks on this forum. SI has springs for $150. Are the Coil Specialties springs any better? Thanks

Getting quotes is a good thing- but be sure when you consider the price you also consider the part. You didn't mention which part CSS' price is for. SI's price could be for either p/n 1561664 or p/n 526122. (I would hope you didn't ask for the Avanti spring!!!)

The CSS set I have installed in my '57 Commander were custom made for a 1 inch drop.
Right now it only sits 3/4" lower, but that's because I told them of my future plans for the car.
After the supercharger and A/C are installed- it'll settle down that last bit.

The SI springs are sort of a one size fits all deal.
I know for fact that the 526122 is for a '56 GH w/ A/C.
What's the other one for?

Long story short- CSS will custom make it to suit your application if you ask them to.

This is not a dig on SI- I'm just saying that a bit of research can go a long way-
and for a part that is not as easily changed as a set of springs-
it is a very good idea to get it right the first time.
That's what I did.


StudeDave '57

[warrlaw1]

Also a great time to check those spring pockets on your frame. Mine needed some reinforcement. I used new S.I. V8 springs and pads. Sits pretty well.

[StudeDave57]

The CSS set I have installed in my '57 Commander were custom made for a 1 inch drop.
Right now it only sits 3/4" lower, but that's because I told them of my future plans for the car.
After the supercharger and A/C are installed- it'll settle down that last bit.

Long story short- CSS will custom make it to suit your application if you ask them to.

[53k]

This is normally a job for an experienced front end and alignment Shop to do.

You COULD do it with some basic mechanical skills and a Shop Manual, but if you are not very careful, it CAN be quite dangerous. A spring compressor is a must.

I have used spring compressors to do this job before (free rental from Autozone), but when I added spacers to my '64 Avanti I couldn't get enough compression on the springs to get them out so I reverted to the shop manual method and it really wasn't too hard at all (use a jack under the outer end of the lower control arm, unbolt the bottom of the spindle and slowly let down the control arm).

[aftontrix]

53k,
Thanks, I will check with auto zone and see if they will rent me a spring compressor. The Coil Spring folks in Kansas say I should go with the coil spring #1561664. I guess that is what I will order. I just hope it is not too stiff.

[StudeRich]

1561664?

1561664? Well that just makes no sense at all! Did you look up the correct spring for your car?

The advantage of going to Coil Spring Specialty Co. is; you have the option to get ANY spring you want, if you want the STOCK softer variable rate Standard springs 1539501, like original that did tend to sag over the years (and sometimes not that many) or the HD constant rate Spring for your car 526130, why would you go with the same "universal" spring S.I. sells for less?

The 1561664 is the STANDARD spring for: 1964 V-8 Challenger, Commander, Daytona, Cruiser 4 Door Sedans; '64 V-8 Convertibles without A/C; all 1964 V-8 Wagons without A/C or Sliding Roof; and '64 Hawk without A/C. sure they will work, but none weigh the same as your car.

[aftontrix]

Studerich,
Thanks for the info. That is the number Coil Spring Speciality gave me. Maybe there was a misunderstanding between us. I have not placed the order yet. IN fact, I did see where that spring was at SI for less and thought that would be the place to buy it. I did not know that was a universal spring. I will discuss the 526130 with them. Thanks again.