rear springs

[David12345]

I recently bought a '73 gt and think the rear springs are weak. I see OGTS has some springs to lower the front end, but I'd rather put the car back to it's original condition. And I don't know of any shops in St. Augustine that have equipment for checking these out. Any other thoughts for testing and/or where I can get new ones? I'm also curious about thoughts on the original exhaust system .. maybe need a different thread.
Thanks,
David

[Lindsay]

http://www.opelgt.com/forums/3c-rear...t=rear+springs

Lindsay
71 GT

[David12345]

I already read that thread and it did not mention if new springs were perhaps available. That owner wanted a slight rake .. I want normal.
David

[hallgeir]

They are available from Holland. www.Opelgtparts.com but they are expencive, and the shipping is too, I guess. I just bought a set from ebay, used ones that is. You can keep an eye there, they shows up from time to time. I have the 50 mm lowering springs both front and rear, but in my opinion they are far to stiff. It`s uncomfortable, and the exhaust touches the ground on every speed hump in the road. I will go back to stock.

[David12345]

I have emailed Welcome to Suselbeek Opel GT parts cars and service a couple of times to find out the cost and availability of the rear coil springs for a 1973 GT and did not get any response .. are there any other suppliers?
David

[jeff denton]

When I cruise the junkyards I see lots of springs that could work, but as stated before the Taurus fronts worked fine for me, the Sportwagon springs are close, too. Perhaps a tad stiff for street use, I don't have any street GT experience. Physical dimensions of the spring are what to look for first, do they fit in the bucket and top perch? They can be shortened, then the critical factor becomes the spring rate, which is easily checked with simple equipment found at a race car shop. Or just put them in and see if you like them. Ride height is very adjustable! The springs pop in or come out in a matter of minutes, when you get practiced up at it, believe me. If I was doing a street car I'd be looking at air springs that are the rage nowadays.

[booeman]

I'e heard of some place in kent or maybe renton WA. that will make custom coils, I need 4 600LB (so I'm told ) for a stock fit on my 71 sport coupe. I'll find out more in the coming week and keep you posted

[hallgeir]

Originally Posted by David12345 I have emailed Welcome to Suselbeek Opel GT parts cars and service a couple of times to find out the cost and availability of the rear coil springs for a 1973 GT and did not get any response .. are there any other suppliers? David

That is a common problem, I`m afraid. Too common, in my opinion.

[GTJIM]

Have a look in your local Yellow Pages under: "Springs & Spring Manufacturers"
There is bound to be an old Blacksmith shop somewhere near that has been re-tempering and making springs since buggy days!
We have three or four in Christchurch, NZ

[Paul]

Try .........
Coil Spring Specialties -- individually calibrated coil springs for any suspension need.

[jtb]

I have 4 springs - two about a foot long, and two a bit shorter, from a GT
I'm not using an Opel rear end anymore, so I don't need 'em...


jtb

[soybean]

The sportwagon springs jack the rear end up too much and need to be cut as seen in this http://www.opelgt.com/forums/34350-post42.html The rest of the thread is good reading too. Hth, Jarrell

[David12345]

Thanks for all the inputs and I'm considering everything, but I would rather have new springs if at all possible. I don't have the facilities for welding and I would like the original ride .. whatever that is, since this is a totally new experience to me. I emailed coil spring specialities .. haven't heard from them yet. Thanks again.
David

[blancojp]

I have Fiero front springs in the rear of my GT. They fit quite well and lowers the car little over 1". They do however give you a stiff ride but I had them laying around.

[flyboytroy99]

JB, what year Fiero springs will fit our GT? A little online research reveiled that the springs changed after 1987.

[Lindsay]

Originally Posted by flyboytroy99 JB, what year Fiero springs will fit our GT? A little online research reveiled that the springs changed after 1987.

EIBACH coil spring application list following years for FIERO:
Make Model Year Range Chassis Engine
Pontiac Fiero 1985 - 1987 GT 2.8L, V6, Gas, MFI, VIN "9"
Pontiac Fiero 1984 - 1987 SE 2.5L, 4 Cylinder, Gas, TBI, VIN "R"
Pontiac Fiero 1985 - 1987 SE 2.8L, V6, Gas, MFI, VIN "9"
Pontiac Fiero 1984 - 1987 Sport 2.5L, 4 Cylinder, Gas, TBI, VIN "R"
Pontiac Fiero 1985 - 1985 Sport 2.8L, V6, Gas, MFI, VIN "9"
Pontiac Fiero 1984 - 1987 2.5L, 4 Cylinder, Gas, TBI, VIN "R"

So ... I would guess that 1984 to 1987 front springs are same, but rear springs would vary for 4-cyl Vs 6-cyl. Post mentioned using front springs from FIERO.

Varible rate coil might be interesting for OPEL GT, if available.

[Lindsay]

JC Whitney - Automotive at SHOP.COM

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LOWERING SPRINGS
Item ZX811872T
Price $83.99
Application 1984-1987 Pontiac Fiero (Front)

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LOWERING SPRINGS Lower front or rear of body Amount of drop varies depending on application Perfect when you want a lowered stance, improved handling, better cornering and a balanced "feel" while maintaining excellent ride


JC Whitney has new lowering springs for FIERO. Probably would lower Fiero by 0.8" if similar to EIBACH. If FIERO front, stock springs lowered GT approx. 1.0", then these might lower GT too much. Looks like they are not varible rate.

www.partsamerica.com does not list stock springs for FIERO.

[David12345]

Could someone tell me or direct me to the height specs for a '73 GT and where the measurement is made. I know my springs uncompressed are 11 1/2 inches .. maybe my front springs are old and weak also.
David