lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Gotta love that wiring . . .
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pbs1438

lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by pbs1438 »

newbie here looking for advice on lowering my 124 for looks, not performance. I've seen things about coil cutting, but in the old days (I'm 78), that was frowned upon. I'm wondering if the 1" drop with the performance springs offered by Intl. or Vicks would give me the look I would like. Are there any "drop kits" or other spring sets that maybe would go 2" or more? Then what size tire would you suggest? Thanks for any help. Bob
GeorgeT
Posts: 379
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 12:41 pm
Your car is a: 1982 Fiat 124 Spider

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by GeorgeT »

You need to be very careful when lowering the front end of a Spider: the oil pan sits kinda low and is easily damaged.
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spiderdan
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Posts: 831
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:30 am
Your car is a: 1968 124 Sport Spider
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by spiderdan »

Hi Bob
I got a 68 and I find the front end height just right for the car with current 13" wheels/tires. I am surprised that yours is sitting high(er) and you want to lower it.
It would be great to see some pics.
Just curious, what's your serial #?
Dan
1968 124 Sport Spider
"Angelina"
2015 Toyota Camry XSE (hers)
2016 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited (cottage toy)
http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/68spi ... t%20Spider
http://www.youtube.com/user/Coontache/videos
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azruss
Posts: 3659
Joined: Sun May 30, 2010 12:24 pm
Your car is a: 80 Fiat 2000 FI

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by azruss »

All the early spiders have a very nice stance that makes them handle great and still be roadable. I would be very hesitant to cut the springs on a 68.
vandor
Posts: 3996
Joined: Sat May 23, 2009 1:23 pm
Your car is a: 1971 124 Spider
Location: Texas, USA

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by vandor »

How far does the top of the front fender arch sit from the ground? That would give us an idea of how low it is now.
Watch out for some of those lowering springs, some people found that their cars rode higher with them!
Csaba
'71 124 Spider, much modified
'17 124 Abarth, silver
http://italiancarclub.com/csaba/
Co-owner of the best dang Fiat parts place in town
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bradartigue
Posts: 2183
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:35 pm
Your car is a: 1970 Sport Spider
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by bradartigue »

Early Spiders already ride low; what kind of shocks do you have? KYBs would increase the ride height on an early car, if you have them you might want to install Monroes or KONIs.
pbs1438

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by pbs1438 »

Thanks to all for the responses---lots of things to consider--I really appreciate all of you who offered suggestions. I'm shelving cars for a while and going to the jungle to play with strange plants---much less expensive. But, like Arnie say, "I'll be back." Thanks again. Bob
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spiderdan
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Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:30 am
Your car is a: 1968 124 Sport Spider
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by spiderdan »

pbs1438 wrote:"I'll be back."
Bring pics back with you...love to see other 68s

Good luck in the jungle
Dan
1968 124 Sport Spider
"Angelina"
2015 Toyota Camry XSE (hers)
2016 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited (cottage toy)
http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/68spi ... t%20Spider
http://www.youtube.com/user/Coontache/videos
fiat218
Posts: 5745
Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 5:06 pm
Your car is a: 1969 124 AS spider

Re: lowering the front of a 1968 124 spider

Post by fiat218 »

Image

i think my 69 sits a tad high
Jim
East Grand Forks MN
1970 Fiat Spider BS1 ( FOR SALE
1969 124 AS Spider
2017 Abrath
2018 Alfa Romeo 4c Spider
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