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61frogeye

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I have had my BE since last summer. The back end seems high and very stiff. In pictures I have seen some like mine and others that are lower in back. The stiffness I have no frame of reference for, but it does occasionally hit the axle straps pretty hard (ex: bump going all the way across the lane at speed), but never do the bump stops hit the underbody. The front suspension is fine IMO.

Front fender top to top of tire is about2", rear fender top to top of tire is about 3.5". My car has 10 leaf rear springs. I have read a lot about wedges and swapping springs around so, I have a pretty good understanding there.

My question is: would you try and "fix" it, or just leave it as is? Picture for reference.

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Almost forgot, that's Frog in his new shoes!
 
someone else will come on with specifics as I know nothing about 1/2 elipticals but that plain looks wrong and it should not bump that hard!
 
Interesting. That rear sure does look high. I presume you have conventional 1/4 elliptical springs (based on your statement). I take it that those springs are un-altered? Are there additional shocks? What's going on under there? Any photos?
 
Do you have the spare and bits in the back? Looks pretty tall from here. Stock rear springs on this one.....
 

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Stripped down stance.. Something odd going on there for sure.
 

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Looks as if it is set up for a 1/4 mile run...heh
 
From the original description of 10 leaves it must be the Moss 'Rally Spec' springs.
Rut
 
Stock springs are 15 leaf if I remember correctly. Looks like springs have been changed to some that are considerably different than original. If you can stand the ride you can fit wedges to adjust the stance and if it were me I would do that. My BE has stock and they are a little to soft for my taste's. Wish I could get just a little of what you've got!!

Kurt.
 
I used the 10 spring pack, but installed wedges and removed two leafs. It now sits at stock level, but with a bit firmer ride.
 
It has the 10 leaf spring set but otherwise is stock, shocks and all, the spare is in the boot. I did read once that if all the bolts are tightened up when putting the springs in without the cars weight on the axle, it will sit higher than it would if the weight is on the axle.

I will probably try to loosen everything and put the axle down on jack stands before tightening it back up. I imagine that at least a wedge will be needed to get ride height proper. Ideally removing the springs and pulling the top 3 and putting them on the bottom would be best. I will take another look and see if I think I have the tools and ability to do that myself.
 
Hi Dave, I've replied to your PM, now seen your ride. Nice.
And mine was that high when I 1st installed the new 10 leaf springs. Here's my photo for everone else.
no wedges required, 3 leaves out from top onto bottom.
Perfect ride height & softly sprung, as it should be on the rear. Handles like a dream.
My frog
 
Thanks Rick,
If you look through the entire set of pictures he rescued a real mess and created a very nice BE.
Good job Hairyone!
:cheers:
 
I just ordered some wedges from NAPA, 3 degree and 4.5" long IIRC. They say they are for a 1.5-2" wide leaf spring-$9.00. They are too long but a quick trip through my die grinder should fix that. I will attempt the 3 leaf swap first, I just applied my first application of PB today in preperation.

I can live with the stiffness as long as the height is correct, i'm sure it is having a negative effect on handling.
 
61frogeye said:
If you look through the entire set of pictures he rescued a real mess and created a very nice BE.
Click to expand...

Well I've rescued a mess and have yet to create a nice Bugeye.
Perhaps I should take some notes.

Here's mine, straight from the scrappers:

bugeye001.jpg
 
Rick,
I wish you good luck on your "Operation Bugeye Rescue". I had a 50 Chevy like that once, 10 years later it looked and drove like a 50 Chevy (a mild custom which kept the project cost down).

Here's a pic: I didn't have any issues with the back end sitting too high :laugh:

9150_12.jpg
 
Now that's a pretty car.
Got any 'before' pics?
 
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