[69rad]

Has any have experience with custom springs from Eaton Detroit?

I've read the posts related to the Hotchkiss lowering converts more than Coupes but has anyone ordered custom lowering Springs fron Eaton Detroit?

I'm just curious if they lowered as expected?

Thanks

[67rsssvert]

<< I know this isn't what you're asking, but ... >> I just recieved the Hotchkiss springs ... haven't put then on yet. What are folks saying abut them on a convertible? I was hoping to get 'em on this weekend.

[DjD]

I have a convertible with hotchkis springs and haven't heard a word about them lowering a ragtop more than a coupe...

[jrager]

69rad, I got your email and am happy to jump in.

I may be able to add some advice here.

I have a 69 Convertible Camaro RS. I had original 5 leaf rear springs and the much worn out stock front springs. I installed both the Hotchkiss Front lowering springs and the rear leaf springs kits.

We have discussed this topic allot on the site but it looks like the same Hotchkiss kit will lower your convertible much more than a coup. 1.5" to 2" lower in some cases.

I also have the stock height Global West solid aluminum sub frame bushings so my car should be sitting exactly at stock height when it comes to the frame from the uni-
body.

Now how far your car will drop depends on what your car is sitting at now but once the suspension is all switched out for the Hotchkiss kits the convertibles have all measured out the same height and are lower than coups.

You can check out pics of my car, the springs before and after, and some measurements by going to the link in my sig.

From the center of the wheel lip to the center of the rim, I got 11.25" in the front and 12.5" in the rear.

Now keep in mind that I am still running air shocks in the rear but this rear measurement is common even with regular shocks after installing the kit.

It was a bit to low for me in the front and I had some rubbing in tight parking lot turns so I purchased 3/8" aluminum spring spacers from Global West to get the car back up 1/2". My tires were rubbing the wheel well lip and pulling out the chrome trim. They are very nice spacers that sit in the A-arm pocket under the spring. I think they cost me $30. GW had different sizes if you want to custom adjust your ride.

I would also recommend checking out some of the Camaro's at www.pro-touring.com. Bob Spears has the same suspension and measures out just like my car before I installed the spacers.


Here is a direct link to Bob's car.http://www.pro-touring.com/featured_..._69_camaro.htm

[DjD]

Jrager - Your front dropped about 1/4" more than mine but I haven't seen anything really on coupes not dropping as much... Stock front height is 13 1/4" from center of hub to the bottom of the fender lip ('69 only) on both coupe and convertible. My front measures 11 1/2" and yours is 11 1/4" which is exactly 2" and that's the hotchkis claim... I have prothane body bushings and you have solids. I could see that making some difference. I also have the RS headlight and convertibles have an automatic 50lbs over the coupe with the front cocktail shakers...

There may be some validity to the coupe not being lowered as much as a ragtop but no more than the difference between your car and mine the way I see it... Weight is the only real difference in the coupe and ragtop and the extra 50lbs in the trunk could make a bit of a difference too. again no more than 1/4" though...

[jrager]

Good information Dennis.

I bet if a coup and a convertible were set up correctly there may only be a 1/4" diffrence.

I have seen some coups sit alot higher with the hotchkiss kit but there are many factors that could have caused this.

Just from the posts I have read here the convertibles seem to sit the same after install.

I don't know if this is true for coups.

[speedy-Z]

I have Eatton springs on mine. I called and ordered mine to size then drove down there and picked them up at the factory. They will make them any height that you want them though. I am real happy with mine and they are real good people to work with...speedy