63 SWC front springs

[Richard L.]

I want/need to replace the front coil springs in my SWC. The front end is sagging and I'm afraid that if I turn the wheels just right when heading up my driveway, one or both tires will hit the upper fender well edge and crack the fiberglass. The car has been sitting for long periods (28K original miles). It's a humble 300, pg, p/w, p/s. So, my question is, which spring rate should I buy and who should I buy them from.

[Harry S.]

Re: 63 SWC front springs

This is an excellent source------> http://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

They have the standard spring and the HD spring for a 63. Give them a call. I am sure others will chime-in.

[Duke W.]

Re: 63 SWC front springs

I recommend you do some investigation before you purchase new springs. If your car really has only as 28K miles, the springs should not be "tired" unless they are significantly corroded (not just surface rust).

Begin by measuring the "Z" dimension of the front suspension as outlined in the shop manual to determine how much, if any ride height is out of spec.

What's the installed tire size? Repro bias plys may be up to an inch taller than OE for the same size, and the largest diameter radial that should be installed is 205/75; 215/75 is too tall.

What about the wheels... are they OE or something else with different offset that move the tires outboard?

Spring dimension and rate data in in the AMA specs. The spring rate is 260 lbs/in, and the wheel rate is about 80 lbs/in.

Current so-called replacement springs are notorious for not settling at normal ride height and general nonconformance with OE specs, so before you trash OE springs it's wise to determine if they actually need to be replaced, and significant corrosion is about the only thing that justifies replacement.

Duke

[Richard L.]

Re: 63 SWC front springs

Duke,
I had the same issue with my 67 roadster. Bought it with 16K miles and the front end also low, damage already done to the driver's side fender.Changed the springs (forgot the vendor) with--if I remember correctly 300lb rating since it's a s/b A/C car--and all's been well for over 10 yrs. The SWC exhibits he same stance, with nothing strange/suspect underneath that I can detect other than the shinny spots on the frame where the rubber stops have been bottoming out.

[Richard L.]

Re: 63 SWC front springs

sorry, forgot to add that the wheels are the originals, and the tires are 205/75/15, the same as my other two midyears. Never a problem.

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