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Jul 21, 2009 17:12:14 GMT
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anyone got a idea how to guage how many coils = xx drop
need to drop the polo 2 a little bit but I'm unsure how much to chop off , and cba to keep re fitting it all and testing it
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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Jul 21, 2009 17:16:14 GMT
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Get spring
Cut spring
Fly.
If the coils are all wound the same, then measure the compressed length of the spring, work out how much you want to lower it by and work out how many percent shorter it is.
Then cut the full spring this percent shorter.
Unfortunately most springs aren't wound the same on each coil, and the springs don't often compress 1:1 with the car ride height, so it's a trial and error job really.
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Hitch
Part of things
Posts: 427
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Jul 21, 2009 17:21:44 GMT
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You could just do it whilst they're still on the car. ;D  (Previous owner had snapped an allen key in the top of the shock  ) |
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Jul 21, 2009 17:28:34 GMT
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above is not advised as the grinder can grab when the coil collapses... take em off and cut dude  ive seen the snag happen |
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Jul 21, 2009 17:29:36 GMT
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how far do you want to drop dude? 2 coils out the front and 165, 65 13 tyres leaves the tyre about an half an inch from the arch on a mk2
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Jul 21, 2009 17:43:27 GMT
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maybe a inch or so at first
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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sketch
Part of things
Posts: 194 
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Jul 21, 2009 17:44:41 GMT
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usually best to cut the bottom of the spring rather than the top, depends how its coiled but on my old s13 the spring has more loops at the top and the gap gets wider at the bottom, heard it sergested quite a few times
and when cutting use a thin/flat cuttung blade so you don't put to much heat into the spring and change it characteristics...
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Jul 21, 2009 18:01:03 GMT
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an inch ..... take one coil ... out of the bottom as said. this is 2 coils on my old formal e... (not as low as i remember )  |
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Hitch
Part of things
Posts: 427
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Jul 21, 2009 18:03:05 GMT
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above is not advised as the grinder can grab when the coil collapses... take em off and cut dude ive seen the snag happen Fair enough, didnt have any such issues when I did mine though. If you can see the spring when its compressed by the cars weight just judge it by eye how low you want it and count the coils. Then take them off and chop. |
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Last Edit: Jul 21, 2009 18:16:37 GMT by Hitch
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Jul 21, 2009 18:05:06 GMT
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aint sure how i plan to do it yet...surley if its jacked up safley and i clamped the spring up then lop the end off , no one will die?
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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sketch
Part of things
Posts: 194
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Jul 21, 2009 18:08:14 GMT
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yeah but then you cut the spring seat on the damper, i know cutting a spring is a bodge but have some pride in your bodging and take the spring off lol, its not that hard to do, and once you have cut the spring you probably wont need a spring compressor to put it back together
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Jul 21, 2009 18:09:08 GMT
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if you can compress the spring anyway you may as well just take it out.
*problem is with compressing it is while you cut one coil, the two either side grab the disc, meaning it will grab, regardless, weather you hold on enough is a different matter.... if you have more patience. use a dremmel (smaller disc don't get stuck) and cut enough for the spring to destort then put a chissel in the gap and smack it with a hammer... means nothings in there to get caught , then all you have to do is wind the last bit off....
ive nearly stabbed myself in the chest with a grinder doing this. and my mate put a dent in the wing of an old POLO doing the same thing.... its just not worth the risk, I have nothing against cutting springs and do it all the time, but grinders are dangerous and theres no point in cutting corners (no pun intended) when your limbs are involved
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Jul 21, 2009 18:17:06 GMT
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hmm did think about the dremel ...take like 100yrs wont it?
i do have the aldi special 3" air power cut off wheel....really sucks taking the struts off
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91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
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Jul 21, 2009 18:24:04 GMT
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na, if you can get down b&q get some bosch heavy duty cutting discs (in a small white and orange tub ) that are for dremmels... takes about 2 mins to cut thru a coil  |
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Jul 21, 2009 19:13:29 GMT
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Best way to judge how much spring to chop is as follows ..................
Remove all springs..............
Cut each spring exactly in half...................
Refit springs...................
Perfect!
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You never know when a mohican vintage car enthusiast will come in handy.
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markbognor
South East
 
Posts: 9,969
Club RR Member Number: 56
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spring choppage guide??markbognor
@markbognor
Club Retro Rides Member 56
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Jul 21, 2009 20:07:16 GMT
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Best way to judge how much spring to chop is as follows .................. Remove all springs.............. Cut each spring exactly in half................... Refit springs................... Perfect! Lolz don't bother refitting the springs. Brazillian Look FTW! |
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) 
ive seen the snag happen
