61 Panel for my Neighbor

[Sal's '55 Chevy]

So my neighbor asked if he bought all the patch panels if we would do the favor and weld them in and all the exciting stuff lol. We have changed the hood and took it to the next level as far as ideas but one thing i still can't think of is lowering it. This panel does not have any springs instead it has two big bars running to the a-arms does anyone have pictures of how to lower them or if i can change to a different suspension on a budget

[hotrod66]

you can use lowering coil springs cpp makes them they are avalible from classic parts. drpending on how low you go you might need a adjustable track bar. think my springs cost me 100 bucks

[Sal's '55 Chevy]

see i figured i just do that but the a-arms dont have a place to put springs in it im a little confused

[csa daddy]

its because it has a torsion bar front end in it just crank down on the bars an should lower it if any thing like any other torsion bar front end

[Sal's '55 Chevy]

i did that but im not getting the stance i want i like it might have lowered like 2 inches but is still really high

[hotrod66]

oh sorry i was tinking rear oops. you can get drop spendals for it, also made by cpp. i dont know if they make them for the stock drum setup wich might just be a good thing then you can do disk brakes.

[72bigred]

I have not tried it yet but I have the torsion set up on my 60.. I have been told I can pull out the bars and rotate it so I can achieve more drop and still have a decent spring rate.. If this is not possible I sure would like to hear.. It appears it would work..?

[Sal's '55 Chevy]

i would like to know as well but i don't really understand what your meaning by pulling them out and rotating them.

[72bigred]

The spring rate is created by the ends that are 6 sided if I remember correctly sitting here on the couch, These sit inside the A arm, as the A arm rises the bar twists (even more than just the twist caused by tightening the bolt) causing the spring rate. If one was to pull out the bar and rotate a bit and then put it back then in theory you could either cause a rise or a sink based on the direction you twisted it. I have been told this by a couple of guys but have not pulled them out as of yet to try it.. Yet if you look it appears they are correct.. Most get rid of the torsion set up for ease of finding parts ect.. I myself want to keep it.. GM did not get away from the torsion suspension due to its quality.. No better ride in my opinion..