Resurrecting the Rambler

[Sean Marconette]

Originally Posted by Pinballer

I hope you're right about the springs Sean. The 100,000 miles of wear they have is a cause for concern to me, but right now I need them in there to hold the front end up!
While we're on the subject of springs and such, I have one shot of a nearly completed right side suspension.

Brian,
FWIW my current springs in my car are original 78 Mercury Zephyr 4 cyl springs from a previous car with over 100,000 miles that I had a 351 C in. Those same springs have been in my Mustang since 1998.

As long as your springs have not been heated I cannot image them being a problem.

There is nothing better than the sense of accomplishment on you building your own car, it may not be cheaper, but you will know every nut bolt and wire in the car.

Think about adding front tie downs into the front crossmember. It will make loading and unloading the car faster and more secure too!

Sean

[Pinballer]

Thanks for your info Sean. It's not so much that I was afraid of spring fatigue or wear, the right side one was a handful with the spring compressor getting it out and back in, but more so that they might not end up transferring the weight changes on the front end on a launch in a fashion to really help me any. For now though, they have to stay there whether they're close to optimum or not.

On your tie-down idea, not sure other than welding loops or tabs onto the cross member how you mean to do this. And could this constitute "modifying the frame" in the rulebook sense? Don't need any surprises at first tech session.

[Dave Gantz]

Good luck and have fun.

Speaking of frame modifications and what's legal; this may not be; from post #26: "I had to leave the 4 cyl original coil springs in place for now until I get something figured out, may see about a re-work on my spare upper A-arms I have from the '80 car to move the spring perches inward at some later time."
Others would know better than me, it's hard to tell what's okay these days.

[Pinballer]

Originally Posted by Dave Gantz

Good luck and have fun.

Speaking of frame modifications and what's legal; this may not be; from post #26: "I had to leave the 4 cyl original coil springs in place for now until I get something figured out, may see about a re-work on my spare upper A-arms I have from the '80 car to move the spring perches inward at some later time."
Others would know better than me, it's hard to tell what's okay these days.

Yeah...very much appreciate that observation, I better get a ruling on that before I do it. Not really changing what the upper A-arm does, just moving an existing welded on piece closer to the middle of it so the smaller diameter spring will 'hook' into it. We'll see what they say on that when the time comes.

[Tom keedle]

Originally Posted by Pinballer

Thanks for your info Sean. It's not so much that I was afraid of spring fatigue or wear, the right side one was a handful with the spring compressor getting it out and back in, but more so that they might not end up transferring the weight changes on the front end on a launch in a fashion to really help me any. For now though, they have to stay there whether they're close to optimum or not.

On your tie-down idea, not sure other than welding loops or tabs onto the cross member how you mean to do this. And could this constitute "modifying the frame" in the rulebook sense? Don't need any surprises at first tech session.

I used some old "westin" running board brackets sandwiched between the frt bumper brackets on my American, i'll see if I can get some pictures today and see if i'm smart enough to post them here IF anybody is interested.
btw, i'm using 6cyl springs but it's a trunion car...

[Don Turk]

Brian

Was good to see you this summer. Lots of racing stories from those Magic Days at Rolling Thunder and Motion . Excited to see your project is underway. If like contact me anytime. My 2c the journey is the best part. Have fun

Don

[Pinballer]

You were one of the guys that pushed me over the edge to get into all this madness after we talked there in St. Louis last fall Don. Let that burden weigh on your mind from now on, you and a couple others are responsible for whatever might happen.
See you sometime this year, hopefully with a running car.