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Hi all,
I have an interesting one for you.
The car is sitting about 1/2 to 5/8 inch above the specification. It also just looks too high. The book says that the lower control arm should be zero +/- 3/4 inch. The car is sitting about 1/2 to 5/8 over the upper limit.
I checked the part number stamped on the spring, I pulled it out today, and it checks with the master parts book. That number is 1134-313. The master parts book does show that they used that spring to car number 50022513. Then they went to spring number 1140-283 which shows in the parts books as for the 1950 Convertible as well. These are the springs I took our 24 months ago when I tore down the car.
When I measured the spring today it has a free length of 16-3/16"
I have the AMA specifications which show that the 1949 Desoto used a "Amola" Steel Coil with a free length of Right: 15-5/8" and Left: 15-13/16". Length at curb weight is listed as 11.00". I do think that this is a generic listing for a sedan and not specifically for the convertible.
Does anyone have any documentation that specifically shows the free length of the 1949 convertible springs? I have an email out to Eaton and will see what they say.
Please let me know if you have and info to help with my dilemma. I need to get the car down a good inch to be in specification and then be able to a proper front end alignment.
Thanks, James
Follow Up:
I talked with Betts spring in CA. They don't do old car springs anymore. I talked with Espo and they don't have specifications, just trial and error.
I talked with Eaton, and they show a single spring for 1949 and 1950.
On the Eaton web site at http://eatonsprings.com/cuttingcoilsprings.html
They show how to cut a spring and the issues.
I am going today to cut 3/4 inch from the spring and see what happens. That is within their 2" suggested limit. I am about 3/4 inch over the maximum control arm specification of +/- 3/4 from zero. So, we are guessing that a 3/4 cut will lower us about 1". The static 3/4 and the loss of about three quarters of a coils worth of load.
I will let everyone know how this works.
Best, James
James
I have a 1949 Chrysler Parts Book and it too shows The Chrysler Division used the same spring number 1140-283 with their Front Springs in C45 Conv Coupes after Chrysler Serial # 70748355 - on The Opposite Side as The Driver.
The Front Spring used on The Driver's Side is # 1140 284 ( after vehicle # 70748355 ).
Rodger and Gabby
COS
FltSgt@outlook.com
Thanks Roger...
Yesterday, I took the springs out and cut them 3/4 of an inch. I put them back in and held my breath. It looks like I got lucky. The lower control arms are sitting nearly flat. The book says Zero plus or minus 3/4 inch. I need to find some level concrete to do a final check.
I used a cut off wheel as directed by the web page and some YouTube videos by Eaton Spring. That 3/4" cut looks like it lowered the car by around 1.5 inches. So, if anyone else goes to try this, remember that you can get double the drop of what you cut!
You can see the photo of how the stance now is. Now we can get serious about front end alignment with the ride height in spec.
Best, James
