Technical Pontiac suspension spring question

I am working on my first car project and need some help on suspension springs as mine are pretty worn and rusted so here goes. As far as a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain goes I found rear leaf springs on the Kanter catalog for $650.00, and coil spring for $250. Both kits seem good and have all the mounting parts, however if I want the car to sit with a little lower stance would I want to go back in with something similar to the stock suspension? Cost is somewhat of a factor I am really searching for a cheaper option. What really matters is that the car ride good, but I am not familiar with anyone making parts for my car other than Kanter or Pontiac Parts.net.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

 

I would look in the Houston yellow pages...I'm sure there is a spring and axle place there..they can make you new springs,rearch your old or any chore you desire...and probably much cheaper than places like Kantner...In Dallas,I always used Weaver Spring....

 

I have a rear end with leaf springs in decent shape, and the front coils of my 50 poncho I don't need....

 

Just take it to a local spring shop. They will make and install brand new springs for $250 or so, a bargain. If your old ones are not too far gone they can be rearched and reconditioned for less than that.

If you wish they can make springs with a flatter profile or reversed eyes. I would suggest stock type springs with 2" lowering blocks. They are about as low as you can go for a driver, without chassis mods or air springs.

It may seem to sit high with new springs but they will flatten out and take a set after a few weeks.

 

Kanter does not make springs but Eaton does. Contact Eaton Springs and get springs from them.

 

either buy new ones at a spring shop ( my local one will make them but they have to order the material in as they are thinner in width ) and use lowering blocks or hit up pontiac guy for his old ones , never dearch a spring as it will not keep its arch and flatten out quicker .

 

All springs will get surface rust..it won't hurt them. I've had a slug of old Pontiacs and never had spring issues except for a broken center bolt or 2. When I was a kid we broke a main leaf in our 46 Pontiac coupe.
I'd disassemble the rear springs and clean and inspect them. If the 2nd leaf has worn a deep groove into the main leaf, a new main leaf can be made by a competent spring shop. Paint, lube and reassemble with new center bolts and shackle bushings.
Unless the fronts are broken, collapsed, they should be reusable. Clean, paint and lop off a loop to get it lower.
These are a few of mine with cut coils [55 wagon needed 3 full loops removed...had a light 301 Pontiac motor] All others had cut coils [1-2 coils] and lowering blocks.

 

Thanks Everybody I appreciate it. That's what I needed to know. By the way Rocky those are some fantastic looking cars exactly what I'm looking to do.