[MaggieDad]

Am interested in any and all comments, photos, advice on lowering a '57 convertible. I've read through a bunch of the posts on lowering in general, but I'm concerned that the added weight of the convert might pose an issue with the final result. I was heading toward Classic Chevy 2" lowering coils and 2" lowering rear 5-leafs. Will be running a pretty tall tire, say 28" rear, 26-27" front. I really want just a modest drop, but don't want to make a mistake that sits too low. Not sure how overall weight of the convertible vs. hardtop or post comes into play, but FYI for weight assessment I'm going to run a Ramjet 350 which is all cast iron block/heads/waterpump and a 700R4 tranny.

Especially interested in opinions on springs for rear & front, views on spindles vs. springs, thoughts on lowering blocks in back... I'm all ears. :confused0024:

 

[CJS57]

Your 2" drop plan will work fine. Convertible will not matter. I ran 1 1/2" cut coils on a 55 converible with no problems and better handling and looks too. Lowering blocks on my current 57 made no difference in ride etc. Get a swaybar if you don't have one already. Here is mine down 3 1/2" in the front using 2" drop spindles and 1.5" lowering springs and 2" in the rear using stock 4 leaf springs and 1" lowering block. F

 

[MaggieDad]

Wow...love the stance of your car. Did you use spindles, springs or a combo on the front? Are the rear leafs stocks with lowering blocks? Beautiful car!

 

[Chevy57Ray]

Low Car

Hi, I got my 57 lowered on Air Ride at front & block at rear. The second pic is 2" drop spindle & 1 1/2" cut on front coil & 2" block at rear on 5 leafs + traction bar & sway bar. Both with 28" tall rear & 26" front tires. Air Ride system ride height is the same as the second pic.

 

[Chevynut]

A stock tri5 only has 3.5" of front suspension travel, and that's with the bumpers 2/3 compressed per the GM spec here:

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/chevyresto/56030.htm

So cutting the springs to drop the front end 2" eliminates most of that travel. I would go with dropped spindles before I went with 2" cut springs. The dropped spindles also use disc brakes, which is a must-have upgrade imo.