Baldwin Suspension
 

Hi, I am finishing up a BM replica, does anyone know what they used for front springs? All the info I have collected shows the cars sitting higher in the front end. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thnx, Scott

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

They typically used the stock front springs with spacers under them to make the front end sit higher. The spacers look almost like a horseshoe.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

Would they be like the rubber rings found at most parts stores? I was debating on ordering custom springs, but they are a tad pricy.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

There is a set of 3" Front Lift Kit made buy EELCO for a 62-67 nova but i think these are the same idea as COPO is talking about ? Item number: 220010643899 on evil bay

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

Thanks for the tip, I emailed him to see if they would work on a Camaro

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

The spacers that I have seen are metal.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

[ QUOTE ]
The spacers look almost like a horseshoe.

[/ QUOTE ]

I read somewhere that the horse-shoe spacers are factory air conditioning spacers? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

That's right.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

OK, what are factory A/C spacers? I've never heard of them before.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

[ QUOTE ]
OK, what are factory A/C spacers? I've never heard of them before.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah - ditto! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

From the 2/67 Car Craft article on the first Nickey 427 Camaro. Center left of page shows a/c spacer being installed under front coil. Car lost an inch of height with big-block on 350 springs so spacer raised car back up. That's Dick Harrell doing distributor upgrade on the Sun machine.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...427Camaro4.jpg

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

My 73 has taller springs and longer upper ball joints

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

Are these spacers still available anywhere? Anyone know the part number? Or, does anyone know of a spring to use that will fit and raise an inch or so? Car has 454. Thanks in advance!

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

GM used to make and market very hard rubber spacers that fit under the front coil springs. If I remember correctly, they came in several different thicknesses, but have been discontinued. The part numbers are listed in the old Chevy High Performance Catalogs. I have two old catalogs at home from different years, and can check numbers tonight.

There is a set currently listed on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/64-72-GM-...1QQcmdZViewItem

Item 250013202756

I was thinking about bidding, as these things are a great way to fine tune ride height. I believe the overall height will be raised 2 times the thickness of the spacer.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

Transdapt or Mr. gasket cheap$$$$$ they are rubber though, like muscle-car-nos-dude is showing on evil bay.

I don't think I'd want metal ones they would wear/break/squeek.

If you want metal ones, I think Mr. gasket or somebody also have those.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

I think I'll take a ride up to a couple of parts stores and see what they have in stock.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

[ QUOTE ]
... That's Dick Harrell doing distributor upgrade on the Sun machine.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...427Camaro4.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Check it out. Dick Harrell wearing a tie & sweater to
tune a distributor. Is that a photo op or a sign of a
time long gone? No offense intended. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Do I see French locks on that exhaust manifold?

Is the A/C coil spring spacer depicted in the picture made
of steel? Anybody got an original A/C equipped Camaro that
has these spacers still there? I'd like to see a real one.

Steve

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

You may want to try asking Eaton Sprins in Detroit. They may carry what you are looking for. By the way, wearing a tie etc was not that abnormal back then when in the shop. Sure seems weird now though! Jim

http://www.eatonsprings.com/emailweekly.htm

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

[ QUOTE ]
Dick Harrell wearing a tie & sweater to
tune a distributor. Is that a photo op or a sign of a
time long gone?

[/ QUOTE ]

Both! Harrell, in his role as an employee/consultant with Nickey for the 427 Camaros (etc.), probably had to dress in business attire while on site, especially when the magazine guys were on the property taking pictures. Besides, in those days "business casual" was totally unacceptable. Definately before blue jeans and t-shirts became standard attire practically everywhere.

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

Question
I have read all the thoughts on the front springs-what about the rear springs?
I have a 71 that has the stance, my 68 sits like a duck although everything is re-newed-the 68 is a true big block car with trac bars that really suck the back end down and I will be removing them to restore the height.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Also I have the factory F41 rear sway bar that I want to install on the 68-does anyone have any pics that are clear to show installation from the factory
Ty

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

I have a pair of what appear to be factory spacers that are off my 68 biscayne..they are made of metal with a thin coat of rubber bonded over them. also my rear springs have black rubber smallish diameter air bags with long scrader valves sticking out in them. Could these be GM pieces?

Re: Baldwin Suspension
 

Found two more photos of AC spacers being used for early Camaro ride height adjustment. First photo is from an article on Nickey 427 conversions and second photo is from an article on prepping 1st-gens for bracket racing.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...ACSpacers1.jpg


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...ACSpacers2.jpg