Coil spring questions
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Marysville Ohio
Coil spring questions
Greetings. Before my questions I'd like to thank the forum for all the information, tips and entertainment you've provided. The Corvette knowledge on this site is unparalleled.
My apologies if this has been covered already. I have a 1971 convertible with a small block and a/c that needs new coil springs. Some parts sites have springs for either s/b or b/b, some have s/b or b/b that are also used for s/b with a/c. Does a s/b with a/c really weigh the same as a b/b? Shouldn't there also be a spring for b/b with a/c then, too? Can anyone recommend springs that you've used lately that allowed the front end of your car to sit just right? (photos would be great) I just don't want to go through all of this and find the car sits like a 4wd in the front. Also, is there a rule-of-thumb for what else should be replaced at the same time? Any items that I couldn't go to the local NAPA for?
Thanks in advance for your replies. And again, thanks for everything so far. Hopefully, in the future I'll be able to add something constructive to this forum as well.
My apologies if this has been covered already. I have a 1971 convertible with a small block and a/c that needs new coil springs. Some parts sites have springs for either s/b or b/b, some have s/b or b/b that are also used for s/b with a/c. Does a s/b with a/c really weigh the same as a b/b? Shouldn't there also be a spring for b/b with a/c then, too? Can anyone recommend springs that you've used lately that allowed the front end of your car to sit just right? (photos would be great) I just don't want to go through all of this and find the car sits like a 4wd in the front. Also, is there a rule-of-thumb for what else should be replaced at the same time? Any items that I couldn't go to the local NAPA for?
Thanks in advance for your replies. And again, thanks for everything so far. Hopefully, in the future I'll be able to add something constructive to this forum as well.
Last edited by Speedbird; Jun 21, 2009 at 11:41 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Here's the GM part numbers. Looks like a couple of different ones depending on options. Give Eaton Detroit Spring a call. As far as replacement parts, you should replace all the control arm bushing if there are original.
Gary
http://www.eatonsprings.com/index.html
Gary
http://www.eatonsprings.com/index.html
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The VB&P 550# springs will lower the front end 1". I'd sandblast and paint the arms and replace the ball joints as well as the control arm bushings while you have the arms off.
Be careful though. The arms will look really nice and if the rest of the frame doesn't look as good before you know it the body will be up on a dolly.
Rick B.
Be careful though. The arms will look really nice and if the rest of the frame doesn't look as good before you know it the body will be up on a dolly.
Rick B.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Marysville Ohio
The job is finally complete and I'm very happy with the results. We changed the springs, shocks, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints and idler arm. I've ordered a few parts from Willcox and have been pleased so far, so I went with their big block springs after a gentleman at their store assured me they've used the same ones with no height issues. And the price was right. A tip for rookies (like me): make sure the spring is completely seated before putting everything back together. The driver's side spring wasn't and we didn't find out until it was time to put the shock absorber in.
With no air tools, it was a lot of work. I saved some money and learned a lot. Hey, it'll be easier the next time!
Before and after:
With no air tools, it was a lot of work. I saved some money and learned a lot. Hey, it'll be easier the next time!
Before and after:
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 592
Likes: 3
From: Austin Tx
Speedbird,
Nice car first off. I love the way it sits. What springs did you use? BB springs? Also do you have a/c and what motor do you have?
I have 350 in mine with aluminum heads and I'm going to put vintage air. I'll loose some weight off the front and want to lower the front a little so it doesn't stick up in the air.
Nice car first off. I love the way it sits. What springs did you use? BB springs? Also do you have a/c and what motor do you have?
I have 350 in mine with aluminum heads and I'm going to put vintage air. I'll loose some weight off the front and want to lower the front a little so it doesn't stick up in the air.
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Marysville Ohio
Thanks for the nice words, we're very happy with the stance. We used the big block springs from Willcox, part number 36832. The car has it's original 350, factory air and 4 speed. There are no modifications under the hood. If I were you, I'd call your supplier of choice and mention your aluminum heads and vintage air. I'd think your car would sit higher than mine with the same springs. Good luck.
