First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... Ditto on the control arm bolts. I had the same issue with my 67, tried to reassemble U/L control arms and shocks while up in the air. Ended up removing shocks, loosening control arm bolts, letting her down on the ground then tightening up bolts while on the ground. Another thing to check is that you have radiator filled, all engine accessories installed, cocktail shakers, etc so you can get a more accurate picture of the finished height before tightening up. I would also bounce it up and down a little to exercise springs and seat everything before tightening, its easier with the shocks out.
I know its a lot of up and down with the jack but it fixed my issue. (also with advice from the list at the time) Steve Greeley, CO -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Clell Rogers Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 12:47 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [FGF] 69 FB Conv - new springs - sits too high First Generation Firebird-L Mailing List ......................................................................... Does anyone have any words of wisdom? There is a 4 gap between the top of the tire (F70) and the fender. I am doing an off the frame restoration of the bird and ordered new springs from Classic. (CS656 by Elgin) and tossed the old springs dumb #1. Before tossing the original springs, though, I did compared the height, diameter of the coil and also the diameter of the spring material and they were identical. I am sure that the springs are aligned correctly in their seats top and bottom. I have rolled the car back and forth to help it settle (its not drivable yet) and also have had two guys (330 lbs.) sit on the fenders and it only goes down ½ to 1 inch. The engine, trans and front bumper etc. are all installed. Items not installed are the shakers, fluids, seats, and a few other small items. Just sitting there the upper control arms are contacting the upper rubber bumpers no less. I contacted Classic who suggested to weigh the front of the car. Not being drivable yet, it would cost me $100 to rent scales, so hoping that maybe the PN was wrong I ordered another set of springs dumb #2. I installed one of the new springs and it did not correct the problem. I talked with Mike (?) at Eaton Springs and he said that the free height should be 17 which it is, and the loaded height should be 11. The loaded height appears to be more like 13. I am a bit gun shy to order another set of springs from somewhere, because maybe Im missing something really obvious? I realize I could cut of a coil of the spring, but I think it would still be very stiff and is not really correcting the problem. I might end up doing that, but want to pursue other aspects first. Perhaps this is a common problem with aftermarket springs? Is there anyone able to bail me out? Many thanks, Clell in Colorado Springs ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Submissions to Firebird-L: <[email protected]> Unsubscribe from Firebird-L: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Help: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/firebird/Firebird-L.html> Classifieds: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/ubb/> Owner Pictures: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/show/> Donations: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store/cart.mv?999999> FGF Merchandise: <http://FirstGenFirebird.org/store>
