Pontiac - Street No question too basic here!

          
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-08-2026, 07:52 PM
433lemans's Avatar
433lemans 433lemans is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Near Sioux Falls SD
Posts: 298
Default 69 Lemans Front Coil Springs Replacement

I asked this question in the Suspension area but want to ask here because I got no response there.
So I'm finally back to converting my front drums to disc brakes. I'm also installing new coil springs. As pictured, the original springs have the top tapered to give a relatively flat contact surface. The new springs are not. Should I grind the new spring so it is tapered also? Looks like it could wear into the spring pocket if I don't do something.
Maybe I have the wrong springs?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	spring1.jpg
Views:	53
Size:	90.2 KB
ID:	669697   Click image for larger version

Name:	spring2.jpg
Views:	29
Size:	59.0 KB
ID:	669698  

  #2  
Old 05-09-2026, 12:25 AM
BB70's Avatar
BB70 BB70 is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: cincy, ohio
Posts: 499
Default

I would and have put them in as is with no issues.

John

The Following User Says Thank You to BB70 For This Useful Post:
  #3  
Old 05-09-2026, 10:16 AM
67Fbird's Avatar
67Fbird 67Fbird is offline
Chief Ponti-yacker
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: GA
Posts: 527
Default

I wouldn't spend the time. If you do, grind carefully and frequently AIR COOL the spring. NOT WATER. NOT OIL, but air. Use a GRINDER not a snadpaper wheel or belt sander. Anyhting too hot to handle is TOO HOT. The last thing you want to do is to re-temper the tip of the spring. By cooling it too fast you will affectively cause the spring to be brittle with a possibility of the area affected to fracture.

The Following User Says Thank You to 67Fbird For This Useful Post:
  #4  
Old 05-09-2026, 11:27 AM
steve25's Avatar
steve25 steve25 is online now
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Westchester NY
Posts: 17,514
Default

Also try your damest to not nick the spring right below where your grinding.
I sharp edged cut will be a starting point for a crack to start.

It’s best to place a sheet metal shim on top of that coil in case you do slip, otherwise a slip cut will need to be polished out.

__________________
Wernher Von Braun warned before his retirement from NASA back in 1972, that the next world war would be against the ETs!
And he was not talking about 1/8 or 1/4 mile ETs!

1) 1940s 100% silver 4 cup tea server set.

Two dry rotted 14 x 10 Micky Thompson slicks.

1) un-mailed in gift coupon from a 1972 box of corn flakes.
Two pairs of brown leather flip flops, never seen more then 2 mph.

Education is what your left with once you forget things!
The Following User Says Thank You to steve25 For This Useful Post:
  #5  
Old 05-09-2026, 12:12 PM
JLMounce JLMounce is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Greeley, Colorado
Posts: 4,540
Send a message via AIM to JLMounce
Default

You can see that they've made an effort to flatten the spring at the perch by adjusting it's pitch. This should be sufficient for any type of street car. Adding any heat to the spring may cause it to lose it's temper and rate. It's just not something you really want to deal with.

I'd throw it in as is.

__________________
-Jason
1969 Pontiac Firebird
The Following User Says Thank You to JLMounce For This Useful Post:
  #6  
Old 05-09-2026, 12:30 PM
433lemans's Avatar
433lemans 433lemans is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Near Sioux Falls SD
Posts: 298
Default

I'm convinced. I'll leave it alone and install as is. Thanks guys!

Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:07 AM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017