Cutting Springs

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:13 pm

I like the KYB GR-2 shocks for street use. As long as the springs aren't collapsed there isn't any extra load on the shocks. Shocks merely dampen the spring action

Just read a trade journal article about cutting springs today, and they say not to use a torch. "Never use heat to cut a spring. The heat from a torch will change the structure of the steel. You will either end up with completely useless springs, or springs with a greatly shortened life."

The other suggestion is about finishing; Powder coating and chroming can ruin the spring if not done properly. Powder coating has to be done below 350F or the springs will anneal and will not support weight. Chrome springs can suffer hydrogen embrittlement and shatter.

FiatColombia1 · Post by **FiatColombia1** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:35 am

Anybody have a pic of a late model after cutting 1 coil in the back and 2 in the front? im curious!!! do you still keep your plastic cover on?

Thanks

TulsaSpider · Post by **TulsaSpider** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:43 am

So Cal Mark wrote:I like the KYB GR-2 shocks for street use. As long as the springs aren't collapsed there isn't any extra load on the shocks. Shocks merely dampen the spring action

Just read a trade journal article about cutting springs today, and they say not to use a torch. "Never use heat to cut a spring. The heat from a torch will change the structure of the steel. You will either end up with completely useless springs, or springs with a greatly shortened life."

The other suggestion is about finishing; Powder coating and chroming can ruin the spring if not done properly. Powder coating has to be done below 350F or the springs will anneal and will not support weight. Chrome springs can suffer hydrogen embrittlement and shatter.

KK thanks Mark

adrians · Post by **adrians** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:02 pm

FiatColombia1,

I'll have pictures (before and after) of my Spider after it gets new front springs and cut rear springs on Tuesday this week.

TulsaSpider · Post by **TulsaSpider** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:08 pm

My shocks which I believe are original seem to be in good shape as far as the traditional bounce test determines. Would I see any significant benefits in changing them out to the KYB's?

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:18 pm

if you're using the original oil shocks, the KYB's are a great upgrade

htchevyii · Post by **htchevyii** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:37 pm

I have heard of KYB's raising the car from the gas pressure, have you had an issue with this? No shock tower issues from the increased pressure? thanks

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:16 pm

the KYBs don't have that much pressure to raise the car

pope · Post by **pope** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:31 pm

Trey, the KYB Gas-a-just (white) are heavily gassed, and raise the car. The KYB GR-2 are more damping and have minimal effect on raising the car.

htchevyii · Post by **htchevyii** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 12:09 am

Cool, that must be where the confusion came from.

FiatColombia1 · Post by **FiatColombia1** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:35 pm

I had to tell someone!! I just lower the back of my '83 and took me 10 minutes!!!

1.I jack my back left tire as high as it will go
2.took tire out
at this point there is almost no pressure on the spring
3. cut one coil of the top with a grinder with a low heat disk at the same point where original ends so that it matches the seats.
4. once that coil was loose cut it again in half for removal.
5. put tire back on and lower jack.

1 to 5 on the other side and Done. looks beautiful!!!

Now the front will be another story, I'm taking Mark's suggestion and cutting one in the back and two in the front.

Not many improvement will take you 10 minutes and have such a nice impact.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 10:52 pm

the fronts take a little longer.

Tappy · Post by **Tappy** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:36 am

FiatColombia1 wrote:I had to tell someone!! I just lower the back of my '83 and took me 10 minutes!!!

1.I jack my back left tire as high as it will go
2.took tire out
at this point there is almost no pressure on the spring
3. cut one coil of the top with a grinder with a low heat disk at the same point where original ends so that it matches the seats.
4. once that coil was loose cut it again in half for removal.
5. put tire back on and lower jack.

1 to 5 on the other side and Done. looks beautiful!!!

Now the front will be another story, I'm taking Mark's suggestion and cutting one in the back and two in the front.

Not many improvement will take you 10 minutes and have such a nice impact.

i bet a picture says more then 1000 words ....

jfrawley · Post by **jfrawley** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:16 pm

So finally got around to cutting the rear springs. Went over to fellow DC Fiats member John Erskines house. Now, let me tell you, if I ever get into some real money, I want a spot like his. 4 car garage with a lift, bead blaster, air compressor, and every tool known to man. We pulled out the old springs and shocks, cut the rear springs down 1.5 coils, installed new KYB's, and it lowered the back about 1.5 inches-perfect. We tried a set of 1969 springs but they were too short and too soft, so they lowered it a bit too far. When I re-do the front suspension, I'll take a coil out of the front as well.

Before

After

Thanks John, DC Fiats comes through again.

FiatColombia1 · Post by **FiatColombia1** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:50 pm

Good Job!! looks nicer

Cutting Springs

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