Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1939 chevy masterdeluxe, spindals, knee action

Question
Hello. I have a 1939 chevy master deluxe car. I am changing front coil springs for an indepedant suspension with knee action shocks. The problem i am having is that i replaced two shorter coils that seemed broken. The coil springs that I put in are correct as far as specs for that year of car(1939). The coils seem to appear to be to large as it forces the knee shock right down also causing the spindals to be miss aligned which cause the wheels to be leaning in at the top (camber). Also when i jack the spring up from under the coil base it only compresses so much before lifting the car and still not moving the knee shock. Would it be advisable to cut the coil springs to a shorter length similar to what was taken out. Problem is that i can't find any source that shows a shorter coil spring for that year. The tie rods are not hooked up yet but the problem seems apparent and simple.

Answer
I'm having a little trouble understanding what you are doing. If the original engine and all front body parts are on the car, the springs should be in the middle of their range when the car is sitting on the wheels.  

If the springs do not compress when you let the car down, and the car has the proper weight, there has to be a problem with the springs.   

Regardless of what they told you was correct, something is wrong.  Don't cut the springs, that will only make them stiffer - and the ride will be unbearable.  Get the right springs - even if you have to buy used ones.   

I don't think the spring length is the problem, rather they are too stiff!  My book only goes back to 1940, but it shows a part number 3653059 for the coil spring - that should be pretty close to what your car needs.

It is also possible that your knee action is not working - have you pushed it through it's range of motion to make sure it is all working OK?

I hope this is helpful.

Dick