springs

[elwood1950]

HI-HAVE A 65 SKYLARK GS THAT SITS TOO LOW. GUESS IT IS AGE AND NOTHING ELSE. WOULD LIKE TO RAISE FRONT AND BACK 3 INCHES FROM THIS HEIGHT. WILL THE STOCCK SPRING BE ENOUGH OR GO WITH 2 INCH RISE ON THE STOCK SPRING? WILL EITHER BE ENOUGH? THANKS, BILL.

[GS66]

I have this same issue on a 66 GS so let me know what you find out here. I replaced the springs on one of my other 66's and it didn't seem to lift it enough. Front tires rub on left turns with narrow 70 series 15" tires on 6" Cragars. Anyone have a good solution?

[nut465gs]

Bill,

Here's a link to another post a while back about ride height and springs. There are so many spring options that can be made that will affect the stance. My only advice is not to add more than one inch to front springs or else you will have a devil of a time compressing them enough to get them seated between the upper and lower A arms. Good luck.

John

http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=475.0

[Weldar]

Would also check condition of shocks and the body bushings. In the rear check on top of the rear springs for the condition of the spring cushions. Just replaced the shocks on my driver and I know it rides higher now. Also know the body bushings need attention. Replaced the rear spring cushions which were basically gone. Did add a 1/2" spacer under the rear springs which gives it nice lift IMHO.

Dwaine

[dsags]

This picture shows stock springs purchased from http://www.springsnthings.com/coil-spring.htm. Price is very good.
As Dwaine says replace the rubber cushion that sits on top of the rear coil. If these coils don't provide enough height then adding the 1/2" spacer in the rear is an easy addition.

[WkillGS]

I have this same issue on a 66 GS so let me know what you find out here. I replaced the springs on one of my other 66's and it didn't seem to lift it enough. Front tires rub on left turns with narrow 70 series 15" tires on 6" Cragars. Anyone have a good solution?

Jim, for a '66 GS, Moog #6033 are a perfect match for the originals, and for the rear, #6197 is as close as I could find. Springs are avail from ESPO/Springs 'n' things, Amazon, or nearly any other part store...

Here's a pic of my red '66 with new springs on it:
http://65gs.com/board/index.php?topic=47.0
It has larger than stock wheels/tires on it, 255/60-15 rear, and 235/60-15 front. I can measure wheel center-to-fender lip if you need to know.... that a good way to compare cars.

These springs will work on a 65 GS too, although 65's had different specs.
 
 

[GS66]

Thanks guys!  Great looking red cars too!

[Buick_65]

This picture shows stock springs purchased from http://www.springsnthings.com/coil-spring.htm. Price is very good.
As Dwaine says replace the rubber cushion that sits on top of the rear coil. If these coils don't provide enough height then adding the 1/2" spacer in the rear is an easy addition.

Once upon a time I saw some measurements from the center of the wheel opening at the fender lip front and rear.  I can't find them now.  I really like the ride height of the car in your pic.  Any chance you could provide those measurements?  I fear mine will be a little tall when I get it all together.

Thanks,

[dsags]

Sorry, that car is no longer in my garage. This one is there now. How do you like the ride height on it ? Those are 17" TT2's with 235/50's on the rear and 225/55's on the front.

Dan

[Buick_65]

It's a little difficult to tell with the larger wheels, but yes.  It looks good.  Would you mind sharing the measurement from the center of the wheel opening fender lip to the ground for comparison to mine?

[dsags]

The wheels are larger but the diameter of the tires is the same as the 225/70-14's that were on the red car.
24-1/2" seems to be the number to the wheel moldings with a bit of variability as usual for these cars.

Dan

[Buick_65]

Sweet, thank you sir.