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?

 

It probably will not settle. Expect to need longer spring bolts to get the rear down.

 

I'd check with VB&P first for a spring. They'll have the longer bolts too.

 

He may have used the original 6 1/2" spring bolts. The norm for composite springs is 8".

 

Something to keep in mind when using longer bolts. If you are using wide tires you may want to order a shorter spring. I had mine shortened one inch total, 1/2" each side.

 

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 ?

 

Depending on your goal for the car, a composite spring is a great replacement. Like paul 74 suggests, the usual spring bolt length is 8". The pic provided by moose8793 also explains why a shorter spring may be considered.

Good luck.

 

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 .

 

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

 

Longer bolts will make it lower.
Keep us posted on how it turns out.

 

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 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 ?

 

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....

 

The composites do not settle. Just the rear suspension after installation. Final center bolt torque is with the wheels on the pavement otherwise strange cracks develop.

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.

 

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 ?

 

I would think 300 is too soft. A friend has 360 and he likes it. I settled on 330 as my car is just a boulevard cruiser and it works just fine for me. It has never bottomed out and gives a nice comfortable ride. If I was a little younger I might go with the 360 to get a little more stiffness on cornering.



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.

 

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.

 

that's what I was wondering . I have a coupe and the extra weight of the window would make me think of the heavier spring would work better

 

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

 

I would spend the extra $$ for the VB&P spring. These springs can be damaged from heat. I have a VB&P 330# spring also. Stiffer, but not harsh.
Carter