Lazy rear spring & ride height question: C2

[Mark F.]

My '65 convertible is beginning to resemble a low-rider from ELA. I think that the rear spring is tired, as the connecting links between the spring and the control arm are factory-length.

What is the correct ride height for this car (small block) and where should it be measured?

Can my original 9-leaf spring be saved? A local spring re-archer in Eastern Washington is highly regarded. Should I trust my spring to him?

Thanks for your information and advice.

Mark

[Rob A.]

Re: Lazy rear spring & ride height question: C2

Mark,

The spring on my '66 small block roadster appeared to be sagging badly as well, to the point of thinking of either replacing or having it re-arched. I received a suggestion here, I believe it was either from Clem or Duke, to replace the rubber cushions, which I did. It resulted in about a 1 1/2" increase in height and my car sits as it should now. I was surprised how much difference it made. Definately try that first, unless you have already recently done so. (By the way, the local shop in my area didn't have much confidence in restoring my spring, and offered no guarantee on how long any improvement would last).

[William C.]

Re: Lazy rear spring & ride height question: C2

Search the archives as the spring "restoration" issue has had a lot of good discussion in the past. A quick check of the spring condition is to look under the rear at the spring with the car on the ground. with a full tank of gas, the spring should be about level with the ground. If the ends are up relative to the center the spring has sagged.

[Mark F.]

Thanks Rob and Bill. *NM*