composite leaf spring
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
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composite leaf spring
I'm getting ready to buy a composite leaf spring off the internet . This week I read a posting and he showed his car and it was high in the back . Replies said it wiould settle . Thought's on buying the composite or a original spring . asking price is $200.00 with complete kit . any thought's?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
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so I'm getting go with the original spring ? I know the one on there the shims are sticking out and I'm thinking it's time to do something with it . The rubber bushing's are beat also . The price on the composite seemed like a good with the complete kit and he said he had other rubber mounts along with the kit . I'm assuming the rear mount's ?
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Northern CO
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
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Thanks for your opionion . I would like to go with the new tec. and for the $200 bucks for the kit plus the other bushing's he said he had and would through in kind of make's me want to go that way . I guess if it settles to much I can put the larger bolts back in . Something to think about . I'm to meet up with him Tuesday ,so I have till then to make my mind up . I'll have to check with him on the other parts he has to see what they actually are . This car is in great shape and I would like to keep it . Needs paint and a couple of other issues but all and all she's a keeper . If I ever nfigure out how to post pics I'd love to show it off . Charcole metallic w/ silver leather interior . Everything is stock and not screwed with , 82k original miles . never hit . an all around nice car . has alot of ops too . electric seat ,sport mirrows , windows and locks . Has the original holes in the back deck for the T top carrier , that I wouldn't mind haveing , if anyone knows of one . I have the canvas top for it when I leave the t's home but it's not very water proof .helps a little . hope to paint it when the weather breaks here in New Jersey .
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Ontario
I would tend to go for new parts with a warranty. VBP has their kits on sale now for $300.00 (including bolts and cushions). You have not said what year you have but here is an example.
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...y-1978-79.html
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...y-1978-79.html
Drifting
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From: iowa city iowa
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
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It's an 81 . Longer bolts make it longer ? LOL now I'm really screwed up . I was thinkin the oposite . I thought the longer bolts would push it higher . I also thought the composite's settle . that's why I was concerned going that way from the guy who posted his with the back end being high .
The way this guy advertised this leaf spring sounded like it fit the later model c3's . is there a number I should look for to make sure it's for the 81 ?
The way this guy advertised this leaf spring sounded like it fit the later model c3's . is there a number I should look for to make sure it's for the 81 ?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
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the site Paul 74 referred to , are the numbers representing pounds ? 330# ,360 # etc.?
I see there is both for the late 70's and for the 80"s . Now that would make be believe why it might set the rear higher . the more lb's the higher it might raise the back ?
I see there is both for the late 70's and for the 80"s . Now that would make be believe why it might set the rear higher . the more lb's the higher it might raise the back ?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,335
Likes: 1,590
From: Western NY
I would tend to go for new parts with a warranty. VBP has their kits on sale now for $300.00 (including bolts and cushions). You have not said what year you have but here is an example.
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...y-1978-79.html
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...y-1978-79.html
Although the car is long gone, I installed a VB&P composite spring in a C-3 that my wife used to own. All I can say is that I wish I'd had done it years sooner....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
It's an 81 . Longer bolts make it longer ? LOL now I'm really screwed up . I was thinkin the oposite . I thought the longer bolts would push it higher . I also thought the composite's settle . that's why I was concerned going that way from the guy who posted his with the back end being high .
The way this guy advertised this leaf spring sounded like it fit the later model c3's . is there a number I should look for to make sure it's for the 81 ?
The way this guy advertised this leaf spring sounded like it fit the later model c3's . is there a number I should look for to make sure it's for the 81 ?
Here is a VBP #330 on my car along with their tuned shock absorbers for composite springs.
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...ear-Shock.html
This is the ride height with 235-60 tires. Not 4 x 4 territory. I will be going back to 225-70 and OEM alloy wheels for 2013 to fill the wheel wells better.
Last edited by Paul L; Feb 24, 2013 at 04:45 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
She's settin purtty !! Now that's what I'm talkin about !! Well, you just made up my mind . composite it is . lokk into those shacks also . Now with your's being a vert , should I go with the 330 's ?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
I wish to add a note of caution re the spring replacement. Those springs have a lot of loaded energy and can hurt you badly if they let fly. An arm can be broken very easily. I have done several and there are precautions to take and tricks to use. The Archives will give you those tips. It is not a long job but it must be done safely. Good luck with whatever choice you make and be well.
Just for your enjoyment, this is the set of cushions I took off three years ago.
Last edited by Paul L; Feb 24, 2013 at 05:54 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,335
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From: Western NY
My suggestion would be to call VB&P and ask what they recommend. For my wife's car, a '79 "boulevard cruiser", they suggested a 330 lb/in unit. It worked very well.
Race Director
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From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
360 from Vette Brakes and Products is a great choice!
$50 off right now only $299.99 Good price!
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...y-1980-82.html
An alternative would be the dual mount, but it's $965.99
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...t-1980-82.html
$50 off right now only $299.99 Good price!
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...y-1980-82.html
An alternative would be the dual mount, but it's $965.99
http://www.vbandp.com/C2-C3-Corvette...t-1980-82.html