heigth

[geraldchainsaw]

hi all.   i need a heigth,   from the top of the fin over the tail lite to the cement or ground,   at least 4 or 5 so i can get a average,   thanks

[JimNolan]

Jerry,
   I'm running 14" radial tires and my height at the rear fin from the concrete is 40" exactly. That's with newer stock rear springs. From the cement to the top of the front headlight eyebrow is 36" exactly. My car sits level at those heights.
Also, $539.00 for springs sounds like too much. I remembered paying about $200 for mine. I think the convertable has the same spring as the Hdtp. What is your cars height at the rear spring.Jim

[JimNolan]

Jerry,
   Buddy, I'm sorry. I just looked up Eaton Detroit and rear springs for the 57 Fairlane was $539.00. I could have swore I didn't pay that much for them. I can see with springs costing that much why I wouldn't want to remember it. Jim

[geraldchainsaw]

hi Jim,    check the diam from the eye brow to floor,  38",   checked from floor to bott of rocker panel at front of door  7 3/4",    same at back by front of wheel well, 7 3/4",    from floor to top of fin 37",     and about the spring,    i spent a couple of hours adding 2 leafs,  no help,   i have some new leaf springs from my 51 that match up with the 57,  tomorrow i'll check the top leaf end to end see what measurrement  i get,  if same maybe i'll switch them an see what happens,  got the time,   as soon as i do some painting for the wife,  thanks for the info,     jerry

[JimNolan]

Jerry,
   37" is good in a way because there's something else you can do. Flip your rear spring shackles. Remember when I kept playing with my front springs trying to get the car level. Well, that's because I had installed my new rear springs with the rear shackle flipped. I am living proof that flipping the rear spring shackles doesn't damage the springs if the car is driven normally. That'll raise your rear about 2 1/2 " and won't affect the ride at all. The whole process of flipping them shouldn't take more than a hour to do. Jack the car up level from the rear and loosen the shackle bolts. Then just raise the car body up until you can put the shackles back on with the spring underneath the rear spring mount. That's an option. Jim

[shopratwoody]

Don't mean to be a smartass here, BUT flipped shackles look like crap IMO

[Lou]

Flipped shakles on a car is like a big yellow sign on the back of the car saying "The springs are shot"

[JimNolan]

2010 Ford Nationals Carlisle, Pa
1st Place 1957-1959 Ford Full Size. Flipped Shackles Division
P.S.  I agree it don't look as good but it's an option that won't affect his ride and most people don't know what his car is much less if the shackles are turned wrong. What surprises me is the fact that Jerry's car is 2" higher in the front than mine is and mine is as close to level now as you can get. Jim

[JPotter57]

I thought you were only supposed to flip them to be able to get your too fat tires out from under the car....

[Ford Blue blood]

Easier way to flip them....jack her up, put the frame on stands, remove the lower shock on both sides, let the rear hang, place a 50 amp screw driver (or pry bar) between the spring and the hanger and push up, jack the rear up into the hanging shocks, reattach, lower the now higher car.....

[lowrider]

If your still looking for rear springs, check out McVeighs Springs in Mio Mi. 225$ for mine w/bushings installed. I picked them up myself since its only a 3 1/2 road trip for me. Usa made in Pa. They also have a web site and are good people to talk to over the phone.