60 Catalina Suspension

[punisher7]

After I get my body issues straightened out I am planning on lowering this Catalina.. I have lowered newer cars in the past with factory made kits.. I have never tried lowering a car without these kits. I am hoping to get it on bags probably next fall. I want to clean up some of the rust on the frame and replace some floor pans 1st. That and I don't want to spend the money just yet. I am looking for an economical way to lower the car without giving up the ride completely. It has shocks and springs all the way around.
No I dont plan on keeping it pink in case you were wondering..

 

[Motorhead]

Is it coil sprung all the way around? Cut a coil or two out of each spring. That's the free way of doing it.

 

[CR55]

Try Fatman Fabricators in North Carolina. He makes a LOT of different parts all for suspensions and they are top quality too! If you go the coil cutting route, I would only cut on coil at a time and check the height! Too many and the ride will suffer. Remember to cut them with a cutoff wheel and not a torch! Too much heat. Good luck with the Pontiac and don't forget the pics!..CR

 

[punisher7]

Thanks guys, I will probably just cut the spings down to start it out. I sent Fatman an email asking what they carry, I will wait and see what they have to say before I cut anything.

 

[59imp]

ok, i've got a 59 Impala 2 dr, here's what i did to it. i also replaced the shocks with new gas ones.....hope this helps


http://ratrodsrule.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10134

 

[59imp]

I would only cut on coil at a time and check the height! Too many and the ride will suffer. Remember to cut them with a cutoff wheel and not a torch! Too much heat.

i talked to Charlie at Charlie's Drop Shop of Portland and he's cut hundreds of springs with a torch, remember the part you cut is only the end of the spring which is not going to move because it's in the spring pocket, and i quenched the cut end in a sawdust and oil mix to cool it faster. cuting 1 coil will give you about 2" of drop on a car your size. i did 1 in the rear and 1.5 coils up front, it firmed the ride up and it's not harsh at all, remember that's a 4000lbs car, if it was a Miata or Toyota i'd be more worried about the ride being too harsh, but you've got lots to play with...


good luck and send some before and after pics.

 

[punisher7]

Thanks for the input guys. Once I get the motor I will get pics posted. Once the engine is in I will be working on this thing non stop until I get her on the road. I am sure that I will have more questions in a few days lol