Okay, cut the BS why coil overs?

[monteboy84]

What really grabs my attention aren't so much the 5/16" bolts, but those cheesy sheetmetal fender style clips that they use as a means of securing the bottom of the shock to the LCA....I can't imagine that is designed to carry the whole weight of the car...especially the "shock" load(pun intended) during compression of the suspension when hitting a large bump in the road.

Absolutely agree, those clips are pathetic, does QA1 provide a replacement with the coilover conversions? My assumption by comments made here is that they do not.



I've not heard much good about those kits, it would seem to me that either a proper outboard coilover, or stock spring/shock arrangement would be superior.

[agent784]

Budget wise I've found that the Hotchkis TVS system works for me because it handles just like a modern performance car. For now it was the most cost effective way to make the car handle without breaking the bank.

As far as appearance, only us enthusiasts will notice the difference by looking at the car. Otherwise, most people could care less. Most people are more likely to like your car based on your choice of color before your suspension setup. Go with what you like. But if you have the money, I say go with the coils like DSE or Global West. Hell if you have money to burn, put in a corvette subframe and call it a day.

[wmhjr]

I'm honestly a little leary of ANY of the kits. I'd rather get something tailored for my specific build and needs. That's why I talked to SCC.

One of the reasons as an example: Look at Hotchkiss #CHESTR013 - which claims to be a steering upgrade for '64-7 GM A-bodies - including Buick, Old and Pontiac. Now I know that they at least differentiated the Pontiac from the Chevy. However, though I'm not sure I was under the impression that the Pontiac and Olds were the same, but not the Buick - or vice versa. It's been a while, but for some reason I've got it in my mind that the drag links were not identical on all 3 brands. I'm just not sure here, and the point is that "packages" are tricky things.

[John Wright]

Absolutely agree, those clips are pathetic, does QA1 provide a replacement with the coilover conversions? My assumption by comments made here is that they do not.

I've not heard much good about those kits, it would seem to me that either a proper outboard coilover, or stock spring/shock arrangement would be superior.

I would think that in many cases the opening needs to be widened to allow the larger shock body to enter through the LCA, otherwise you need to disassemble the LCA from the LBJ to get the shock installed....anyway, if you widen the opening you will most likely cut out the factory bolting location and then have to fab up some sort of new type of lower shock mounting point. I have seen guys plate this area of the LCA with 3/8" thick plate, then drill/tap new holes to mount the lower ends of the shock at the T-bar assembly.

Purchasing a set of tubular LCAs that are already set up for coil overs is an easy alternative.

[1968Maro]

Well yes,

But chaning the mounts on the LCA are not nearly as difficult as modifying the stock sub frame to accept coilovers, this is where I get my "all the extra effort" comment.

[driftinblzr]

I would think that in many cases the opening needs to be widened to allow the larger shock body to enter through the LCA, otherwise you need to disassemble the LCA from the LBJ to get the shock installed....anyway, if you widen the opening you will most likely cut out the factory bolting location and then have to fab up some sort of new type of lower shock mounting point. I have seen guys plate this area of the LCA with 3/8" thick plate, then drill/tap new holes to mount the lower ends of the shock at the T-bar assembly.

On the QA1 ProCoil system, you do ditch the clips. The lower "T-bar" or whatever it's called goes on top of the LCA unlike the OEM shock setup. Two 3/8", IIRC, bolts go do through the T-bar then the LCA. On the underside the bolts are held with nylon lock nuts.

I have a pic, but it's not all that great. Also please ignore the rusty endlink. I got new shorter length ones.

Later, Doug