1963 front coil springs
08-10-2005, 03:58 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
1963 front coil springs
My 1963 raodster has weak front coils. 1963 coils are one of their own. Does anyone know if the 1963-67 replacement coils are really that different?
Should I buy the exact replacements? or will the 1963-67 replacements do fine?
Thanks in advance. oWEN
Should I buy the exact replacements? or will the 1963-67 replacements do fine?
Thanks in advance. oWEN
08-10-2005, 04:55 PM
#2
Race Director
.....there are differences!
When I restomodded my '67 vert 5 years ago I learned some of the differences. After I put a ZZ4 crate motor in it the front end sat about 1" too high due to the reduced weight from the aluminum heads, etc. In reading the spec book I found that the '63 Z06 package springs had about the same spring weight (compression rate in lbs/inch) but were 1" shorter than my original stock L79 sb suspension springs. Found a set through my local Chevy dealer doing a on line inventory search that were in stock in the warehouse in Reno @ $85.00 the pair! Don't know how long they'd sat there, but I was happy to get them, and they pulled the ride height right back down to spec.
I believe the big blocks '65 to '67 also used a different spring both in rate and height. So - the lesson is, check the height and rate to make sure it matches what you want. A generic replacement may change either your ride height or stiffness.
I believe the big blocks '65 to '67 also used a different spring both in rate and height. So - the lesson is, check the height and rate to make sure it matches what you want. A generic replacement may change either your ride height or stiffness.
08-10-2005, 05:46 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
Owen: I replaced the worn out springs in the front of my 63 with VBP 460 pound springs. Car sits at proper ride height.
Used the 460 pound springs in my 78 a few years back. The 460's were at least an inch shorter than the worn out 300 pound springs that came out. Being SOOO much smarter than the factory, I purchased the rubber spring cushion and placed it into the lower control arm seat to make the spring the same height as the 300 pounder. The front end of the car set up over the front tires like an old "A Gasser". Removed the cushion and the car set at proper ride height.
Rich
Used the 460 pound springs in my 78 a few years back. The 460's were at least an inch shorter than the worn out 300 pound springs that came out. Being SOOO much smarter than the factory, I purchased the rubber spring cushion and placed it into the lower control arm seat to make the spring the same height as the 300 pounder. The front end of the car set up over the front tires like an old "A Gasser". Removed the cushion and the car set at proper ride height.
Rich
08-11-2005, 11:44 AM
#4
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Washington Michigan
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That's why it's difficult (nearly impossible) to judge an aftermarket spring by its free height when it's out of the car sitting on the floor; springs are designed and rated based on their overall height at design load (normal installed ride height), and free height is essentially meaningless. 
