I was watching that show on the Discovery channel, Monster Garage, anyone seen it? Pretty cool what they do to the cars, useless, but cool to see nonetheless. I forget which car they did it to, might have been the Explorer, but they heated up the springs with a blowtorch, thus lowering it. Didn't seem like it lowered that much though, maybe an inch. Anyone ever done that? I've never read that technique here on the org. I also don't know if it's actually a good idea, seems like it would be difficult to maintain the symmetry of the springs.

I'd also like to throw out that I know very little about cars but this org has been a good starting point for me. I've had my Black 97 SE for about 4 months now and love it. The only thing I've done so far is put the clear corners on, which is a huge improvement. I had no idea how much you can do to the Maxima. So thanks for all the info guys.

 

They only did that because they were on a tight budget and they knew the car is probably going to the trash heap soon.

I don't recommend this as a safe way to mod. If one of your springs fail and causes you to crash, would it be worth it still?

 

it was a 5.0 mustang, and yes that is pretty ghetto. Don't try it on a max

 

This is very unsafe and your springs will propably fail. Is $100 really that much?

 

I've seen WAYYY to many 90-91 (not sure of year, just early) Integras and Geo Storms with cut and heated springs around here...

And they just bounce up and down as they drive down the road!

Permanent hydros without any control...

 

it was the Explorer

 

I don't know much about springs but I was a Iron worker for about 7 years and when you heat any metal unless forged by heat is not good. Becuase heating the springs up causes it to loose it's original strength and the spring can actually snap.

 

I never heard of the heating method. What will cheapasses think of next? Have you ever seen a Honda with cut springs throwing sparks on a bouncy stretch on the highway?

 

I wasn't actually thinking of doing this, I was more interested to find out if anyone's heard of it being done and such. And just as I thought, not a good idea. They were on a tight budget, plus it's not like they're using the car after the show (probably), so whatever works I guess. I'd certainly shell out a few hundered bucks for good springs and know that what I'm riding on is safe. I haven't seen any Hondas throwing sparks but I'll keep my eye out.

 

It's f'ing hilarious. Every weekend there is a car show here and every weekend there is some beat-up honda/acura that has had cut/heated springs bouncing all over the road.

The kids look like they're about to pop outta the windows

 

After a coil spring is wound/made/ground flat one end etc. it is heat treated to a specified temper (hard). Torching it anneals it in that area. (softens it up) The spring will then crack over flex time where the tempered steel and soft steel meet.

 

hmm one on of my temporary cars..1989 golf GTI wolfsberg...i bought for 400 bux...ahd an intake..exhaust..some stock wheels..on a Heated/cut/lowered/slammed suspension..stock wheels...with NO wheel gap..this thing was LOW..and oh god...bouncy as hell..kinda like one of thoes bobbleheads on the dashboard. Thank god that car only lasted 5 months..it was fast and all..but on bay aera roads..i thought i was gonna pop out the window.