Worn Suspension - 64 Coupe

[Jace H.]

It's time to redo the suspension on my 64 Coupe. Rear spring has lost it. Front springs different height. Shocks are worn out etc... What are suggestions as to best ride while keeping close to original. Do I try and re-arch the spring? Go with replacement? Bilstein shocksd painted gray? I am really looking to improve the ride and stance. Car is original motor 365 HP with A/C.

Thanks,
Jace Holt
28944

[Jean C.]

Re: Worn Suspension - 64 Coupe

Jace, the rear spring can be re-arched. Just had my '64 done by shop in Houston. You tell them how much you want to raise the car and they do it. It appears they got mine correct. Their technique is not so much scientific as it is black magic. Its not like they have dimensions for each spring, just their experience to guide them is my understanding. Maybe someone on this board has more info on re-arching a spring.
Best regards,
Charlie

[Jack H.]

Re: Worn Suspension - 64 Coupe

Oh, uncle Charlie, there IS science in this art of spring restoration...

Take a peak at the Specifications table in Noland Adams' Vol 2 book, pp 450. There you'll find technical data up the old wazoo on springs.

For the front coil springs, in addition to construction info, Noland quotes the springs' free height. That tells you how to spot springs that've been distorted.

Unfortunately, old Noland left out the equivalent data on the rear leaf spring, but the free arch dimension for the standard 9-leaf spring is 10.0". You measure free arch by drawing a line through the center holes of the bushing cups (NOT from spring tip to spring tip) and measuring up to the top center of the spring.

If the original spring isn't 'history' in terms of rust damage, it's simply a matter of bending each leaf back to its original dimension to regain the original 10-inch free arch profile of the assembled package.

If the spring has lost its temper (meaning it'll re-distort under load), then each leaf has to be heat treated and cold worked after re-arch to maintain rigidity. Good shops know when they have to do what processes to get a decent final job. But, not all springs qualify for re-arching as they may be too far gone to work with...

[Duke W.]

Re: Worn Suspension - 64 Coupe

I would bet that your rear spring is serviceable unless is has lost a lot of meterial due to corrosion. Rear sag is caused mostly by a combination of spring link cushion compression and liner wear. Once you have it apart, if there is no signficant corrosion, it will probably achieve normal ride height with new liners and link cushions.

Similar cleaning and inspection applies to the front springs along with verification that they are correct OE springs. If there is no serious corrosion and the spring meets the free length spec, it will likely yield original ride height.

The best shocks from a ride/handling standpoint are external adjustable type like QA-1 or Spax, but they will earn a full deduction in judging.

Duke

[Jace H.]

Re: Worn Suspension - 64 Coupe

Thanks to all that responded. Do you all have any contact info for shops that Re - Arch springs?

Jace

[Jean C.]

Re: Worn Suspension - 64 Coupe

Mine was done by

Cotton Brothers Navigation
4905 Navigation
Houston 77011
phone (713) 924 5086