Well, I was tearing apart my front end to install new A-Arm bushings and ball joints so I decided to replace springs also. Got replacements at the local auto parts store. They had them at a decent price and they are listed as specific to my Corvette-1967, 327, no A/C, 4 spd.

Question-Does anyone have a spec or reference to the spec for the front coil springs? The ones that were in there were 12 coil, 16" tall. The replacements are 6 coil, 12.25" tall. They are the ones listed for this application, don't know if the old ones are original.

I just want to verify if they are correct before I put them in. It will be a while before engine and all other components are in to add weight to the front end. I checked Noland Adams' book and several other restoration guides, but found no info on how tall or how many coils these should have. They may work fine if they have the same spring rate and installed height.

Any help is appreciated.

 

I just replaced my spring and had the same measurments. I purchased the new ones from Ecklers.The coil wire is thicker on the shorter (NEW) springs.

 

This subject was covered extensivelly a week or two ago. Try the search button.

 

These are the specs for original springs. Note the varible spacing on the coils in the pic. No one produces a "correct" repop.

tc


Front Spring Part# 3851100

Type - Right Hand Helix
Cut-Off Length - 168.50"
Number of coils (active 10.67) (total 12.00)
Wire Diameter - .600"
Outside Dia. at ends - 5.19"
Pitch Dia - 4.40"
Height (Free 15.40")

 

Original standard spring had 12 coils, free height of 16.8 inches, outside diameter 5 inches, rod thickness of about 0.594, spring rate of about 195 lbs/in at street height (but it was a progressive-rate spring so it varied with compressed height). The HD spring had 7 coils, was shorter at 10.84 inches free height, fatter rod (0.6875) and outside diameter (5.16 inches), spring rate unknown, but probably about 650 lbs/in.

The replacement specs don't match any original midyear spring; possibly the spring rate and ride height are acceptable, but who knows?

Sounds to me like the ones you took out were probably original standard springs, and still close to spec... are you sure you wish to replace them?

You might check with eatonsprings.com ...I think they are a licensed "GM Restoration Parts Dealer" and they made the original springs for GM.

 

Thanks for the great information, guys! I knew somebody would know. I will go ahead and install them as it sounds like they are correct for this application.