I am needing to replace the springs on my 63 Dynamic 88, the previous owner heated the springs to get it to this ride height and I want to raise the car. I was thinking about going to a slavage yard to pick up some used springs. Do you guys have any suggestions on what vehicle might have springs that would be comparable as far as spring rate? As far as height, they can be longer as I will cut them to get the car lowered from stock height, but they need to be able to support it! Any ideas are greatly appreciated (fyi, I don't have the money to buy new ones or bags at this time, so I'm just trying to get by for now).

 

You may be able to buy spring spacers that go between the spring and the perch, that would give another inch or so. There are probably a number of cars that would use the same spring as yours. I would call an autoparts store and have them cross reference what they fit and go from there.

 

If the other owner heated the springs to lower them could you not do that process again to raise them. If you had a jig to do so safely???

I am not sure this heating can be done, I thought that springs were made with a temper and that reheating them would mess that all up. How sure are you that they were heated to lower them?

 

Why not just purchase new ones? They are available at parts stores.


Just found 3 or 4 options at RockAuto

 

Oh they've defintely been heated! They are warped and don't really have much spring rate left. Some of the coils are wide and some are squished together. I can't afford new ones right now, they run about $250 a pair. I priced coil springs at Pull-A-Part and they were $9 a piece. I figured if I spent $9 and screw them up no big deal. I don't want to spend $250 and cut them. I don't think you could reheat these, they are too far gone.

 

Oldcutlass, I have tried som spacers but really the springs are so bad that there is very little "spring" left in them.

 

If you can't afford to buy new springs, then figure out what other cars in the GM line up are similar in design to your car, and try to find one of those cars in the pick a part yard. Keep in mind that different models used different spring rates, so try to match the donor car to what you own, unless you are looking for a stronger spring. Then look for a wagon.

 

Junkman, that is what I am asking - does anyone know what comparable car (preferably newer model I might find in a salvage yard) has springs that would fit? I don't know the spring rates/size of the originals seeing they've been mangled.

 

I am guessing that any of the full sized GM cars of the 1970's and 80's should work.

 

Most yards have the Hollander books that cross reference parts between makes/models of the same manufacturer. Ask a local yard, they should be able to help.

 

Ummm... Don't know where you have been shopping but www.RockAuto.com has them from $75 - $137 per pair. Spend the money on the new springs and cut them slowly a little bit at a time. It may take a little longer but you will be happier in the long run.

 

Yep, full-size rear wheel drive GM's from '71-up will fit in there and be close in spring rate. 80-91 Cadillac Brougham's are still pretty common in the yards.

 

When I was a kid, I lived in junk yards to support my car habit! My problem is there aren't any close by! I prefer using previously enjoyed parts whenever possible!!

 

I called a local salvage yard that is connected with others across the country, it looks like 57-70 Buick, Olds, and Pontiac springs are interchangeable for the rear, while the fronts are only interchangeable with 61-65 Olds (guess because it is such a big boat). I've got a lead on the fronts for $25 and the rears for $30 so hopefully my wife will let me spend another $110 on top of the $400 I spent to redo the front end!!!

 

Shawn,

You should be able to cut the front springs to lower the car but the design of the rear springs will not allow it, that's probably why they were torched. The stock ride height of a 63 is not very tall, maybe you can leave the rear alone. Good luck!

 

Sorry, I'm just replying back. Don, I'm hoping I can just use the stock height but doubt it. A friend of mine found a pocket that you can make and weld in, so that is probably what I'll end up doing. So for now, I'm just going to ride until I can convince the wife I need the new ones now . She's more worried about our vacation next month than the ride quality of my car!!

 

It is important to keep the wife happy! Maybe save your money and airbag it...

 

I do believe 1991-1996 Caprice springs will work, and those cars aren't exactly what you'd call rare.