does anybody know how low the front springs of a 1978 260c can be compressed and still fit tight, or will they need to be cut a
reformed? and ideas...

Rather than cut the springs you can make a spacer block to fit between the bottom ball joint and the lower suspension arm. I made some from aluminium with just a hacksaw and drill. Mine
were about 30-35mm aproximately and they dropped the car about 60mm. You could make bigger ones if necessary. You may have to grind off the tips of the lower arm to clear the rims depending
on what you use. I have lowered both 260 C230 series) and 280C (330 series) successfully this way. My 260C had hydraulics and say with the front crossmember about 20mm off the ground :-
) Email me if you want any more info.

Eddie
eddie@ratdat.com