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Ok here's my silly question:
It appears that the arc of my rear springs is more than they should be. Is there a way without re-arcing the springs, to get the rear of the chassis to sit lower?
What is the correct arc so I can make a comparison?
Thanks in advance to all responses.
Stephen
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,394 Threads: 106
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It depends on the car and to some extent how you use it Steve.
If it's sitting too high you could get the springs re-set, this can be a bit of a lottery as there is always a bit of settling afterwards and you need to make allowance for that in the height you set them to initially.
Alternatively you could fit new springs, or a better used set.
I dare say there are other ways you could lower the ride height, but unless it's a racer / special those are probably better left alone.
At the risk of stating the obvious, make sure there is adequate clearance between tyres and wings so that under conditions of bump / load the wheels don't contact the body.
Joined: Aug 2022 Posts: 93 Threads: 18
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Location: Switzerland
Car type: 29 RF/29 B/29 AE/32 EA rep./34 AVH
Hi Steve
I've just had the experience that it's better the springs are a bit too high rather than too low. If they are too low, the payload is significantly restricted. So I would suggest leave everything as it is and use your vehicle often with fun and enjoyment, the springs will sink over time anyway.
But that's just my personal view.
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11-06-2023, 01:35 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-06-2023, 01:37 PM by Charles Levien.)
I had to replace the rear springs on my 1937 Opal a few years ago — the ones sent by Ian D. were for a late Ruby.
They had too much camber so Ian exchanged them for Nippy springs — slightly flatter and one or two fewer leaves.
This proved just right and when fitted and gave about 4 inches clearance between top of tyre and mudguard edge. I’ve been all round Europe since fitting them and the clearance remains the same.
Hope this contributes something useful.
Charles
I had to replace the rear springs on my 1937 Opal a few years ago — the ones sent by Ian D. were for a late Ruby.
They had too much camber so Ian exchanged them for Nippy springs — slightly flatter and one or two fewer leaves.
This proved just right and when fitted and gave about 4 inches clearance between top of tyre and mudguard edge. I’ve been all round Europe since fitting them and the clearance remains the same.
Hope this contributes something useful.
Charles
Two many replies!
Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 5,443 Threads: 231
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On the back of Charles’ experience, above, we now recommend these springs for all of the late two-seaters.
They are not suitable for Steve’s Van however.
Tanya now runs my father’s spring business and can supply the correct springs for your van, you can get her on: vintageaustinservices@aol.com
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Thank you all for your input. From all appearances the van will have a nose down attitude when done which to me looks wrong.
Ruairdh , I'll contact Tanya and see what my options are. Thank you.
Stephen
Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 5,443 Threads: 231
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Be aware that a worn front spring will cause this too.
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The front spring seems to be correct for height when compared with pics of other AD cars.
Stephen
Joined: May 2018 Posts: 2,109 Threads: 110
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Location: Llandrindod Wells
Car type: 29 Special, 30 RK, 28 C Cab
Hi Steve
It is common for pre 1930 Chummy based vehicles to have springs set at 8” due to an error printed in the ‘green book, The Austin Seven Companion’. I believe that the correct spring set is 6” but this may be different for vans. My RK had such high springs and a set of front and back springs from Ian Dunford put the car at exactly the right height. I’m sure Tania will have the info on van springs.
Cheers
Howard
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If I get a chance tomorrow I will measure the spring set to confirm what is actually on this chassis. I don't know the history of this car while it lived in Australia, so they may have been replaced from another "donor" car.
Stephen
