67 Convertible suspension ?

[Jerebus67]

I would really like to beef up the suspension on my 67 Convertible that I just purhcased. It is totally stock and Hotchkis said that their TVS package is not guarenteed to work with a Convertible. The said that their rear might drop more than the 1.5 inches with the extra weight of the convertible. I love the pro touring stance. Anyone have any suggestions on what to purchase?

[XcYZ]

I guess I've never heard that before, but then again, I've never worked with a Vert. Maybe Trush will give his opinion as he's the only one here with one.

[61Bubbletop]

I have the Hotchkis system in my Convert, and had no issues whatsoever. They are very well engineered components, and are designed to work together very well. The car sits exactly where I wanted it for "the look", with no modifications to the components as supplied by Hotchkis. I would check Summit for pricing, as I believe they are the best price out there.

You can see more pics of the stance here:http://www.lateral-g.net/trush/ (My Car)
Good Luck

Here are some reference pics of ride height w/18 inch wheels.

http://www.lateral-g.net/trush/moneyshot.jpg
http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/fighter.jpg
http://www.lateral-g.net/trush/1.jpg
http://www.lateral-g.net/trush/8.jpg

[Jerebus67]

That is one sweet ride. Can you tell me everything you did to yours in order to get 18's on that 69? That is exactly how I want mine to sit.

[61Bubbletop]

I really didn't do anything except research....I have 18X8 on the front with a 4.74" BS, and a 235/40 and the rear is a 18X9 with a 255/45 with 5.5" BS. They fit fine with no rubbing whatsoever. It is possible to fit a 9.5" rim in the rear, with a 275/40 out back, the only issue I have with that is the "gap" between the top of the rear tire, and the quarter due to the lower aspect ratio of the 40 series, If the car is not low enough, it can look like the car is raked "backwards" from the side, but that is purely my opinion. I wanted my tire tucked up in the rear quarter, so I sacrificed some contact patch, in going with the 255, but the 45 series fills that gap nicely....Be sure to measure measure measure to ensure the rim sizes you pick will fit. Remember, once you mount them you bought them for good. The sizes I chose are a pretty safe bet on most first gens. If I did anything different, I may have chosen a 245/40 for the front, but the nice thing in the choice of tires, is that the rear 45 series, and the front 40 series, give you a natural 1-2" forward rake to the car, due to the tire height differences, even while maintaining the same rim diameter.

Here is what I mean:
http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/jtwheels.jpg

Here are a couple of shots to show you depth etc....Don't mind the hokey fake disc covers, this was before the Baers were on...
http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/jtwheels2.jpg
http://www.lateral-g.net/temp/jtwheels3.jpg

Good Luck, and let me know if you have any questions.

Welcome to the site.

J.T.

[Ummgawa]

Jerebus67

I am also build ing a Convertible and decided to go with the Martz Chassis adjustable 4 link with Coil Overs. You can adjust the ride as you see fit (obviously with some limitations).

Look here:

http://www.martzchassis.net/page7.htm

Good Luck and welcome. If you are building a Protouring car, this is your lucky day, man, you've found the right place and the best guys on the net to help you. No Egos here.

[Jerebus67]

Thanks for the info guys I really appreciate it.
So probably the most cost effective way to go is to go with the Hotchkis TVS solution and the suggestions on rims? Anything else you guys can think of?

[61Bubbletop]

It really depends on your budget, you can do the Hotchkis TVS system with a good set of shock for probably around $1200.00, and bolt it in, which for the money delivers an incredible upgrade over what you are used to, and is more than enough to make most owners happy. The Martz is a far superior setup due to its adjustablity etc, but is significantly more costly, and requires much more indepth installation welding etc etc....either way, your budget, and your ability will determine your path.

Good Luck :)

[Jerebus67]

I am on the phone with Detroit Speed right now and they have their front and rear kits with the upper control arm for right at $1920. They said that they have a 2 inch drop in the rear on theirs. That is pretty much my budget for the suspension so would you suggest going with their kits or the Hotchkis?
Thanks for the help I appreaciate it.

[XcYZ]

Make sure to tell Kyle that everyone at Lateral-g says hi. :D

[61Bubbletop]

I also have Detroit Speed uppers on my car...Their parts are some of the best in my book, in engineering, and quality. You can't lose with them.

[Jerebus67]

Any reason why you didnt go with their kit all of the way around your car?
The credit card wants to come out!!
Do you think the upper tubular a arms are worth the extra money?

[XcYZ]

Speaking for Jeff, I know he would have used all DSE parts if he could have, but I know their catalog at that time wasn't as big as it is now.

[Jerebus67]

Well purchased the Front and rear kit from DSE.
Hopefull all goes well. Hope to have the pics up before Spring

[jannes_z-28]

The profile of tires like 245/45 or 275/40 is a percentage of the width. So a wider tire like the 275 must have a lower percentage of the width to get the same height as a narrower tire.

What you should look for is the outer diameter, it is usually specified in the datasheet from the tire manufacturers.

My tires are 275/40X17 and 245/45X17 and they both have 25.7 inches of outer diameter.



Jan

[Rick Dorion]

You may also want to consider the Global West del-a-lum bushings for the springs. It gave me a reason to buy a 20T press!