Jhiltonn

Hi, I'm looking for some direction as to whether I should look into either cold or hot re-arching of a used GM 9 leaf rear spring?

I am planning on buying a used 9 leaf rear spring 3over6, 2 1/4" wide for my 72 coupe, 350 sb. I have all OEM standard suspension currently but my rear spring is a service replacement 10 leaf version that's in good condition(if anyone is interested in buying or trading).

I've read several external articles on the pros and cons of cold and hot re-arching BUT would like to hear some real world stories from actual Corvette people...

I'm thinking that maybe I don't have to re-arch either maybe if I can find a used spring that's in really good shape with minimal use. Maybe I can simply dismantle it, clean it up, spray paint, re-line using NOS GM liners, etc.

Thanks,
Joe in NH.

Alan 71

Hi Joe,
Because of the ride height havoc that the rear springs cause I think I'd look for the most rust free/un-pitted spring I could find, and try to stay away from having it re-arched.
Regards,
Alan

jhudec

I agree, there are a lot of these good original springs out there. Many were replaced for ride considerations and the corvette salvage yards have them. I am sure folks here have them. An original worn in spring will give you a good ride height, especially if you are just replacing the spring and not rebuilding the rest of the rear suspension.
Joe

Jhiltonn

Thanks Alan & Joe! Would a spring from a 67 be correct for my 72? I found one that's rust free and has all the ends curled up and tapered. I just want to make sure it's the right size fit other than the obvious. Ty.

Alan 71

Hi Jh,
Yes, an original spring from a 67 car will be a suitable replacement.
Regards,
Alan

Have you checked that for certain the 'curl' on the end of each leaf, and the cut taper, are what they should be?

cv67

Ed at 4wd specialites 818 8301447
Not a big deal done all the time.

ed427vette

Alan, as always makes a good point of what to look for in a true "original" spring. I bought, on here, what I was assured was a original 9 leaf and when I got it of course, it was not.

Make sure you know what to look for if you must have an original.

So many sellers on here think they have an original whatever but don't know what one even looks like.

Jhiltonn

Thanks to Alan I believe I know what to look for, but to be sure maybe you could take a look at eBay 192127196911 to be sure. I'd appreciate it. It seems to be correct, but I'd like to know for sure.
Thank you,
Joe

Alan 71

Hi,
I believe that springs of that era often had an identifying mark randomly along the edge of the leafs.
This might be something additional to look for.
I don't know if NOT finding it is enough reason to dismiss a spring that otherwise seems to be a good choice though.
Regards,
Alan

GM-U (?) GM-0 (?)

JBrooke825

I have an original 67 9 leaf spring . I will get a pic today for you.

ed427vette

Hello Joel,
That one looks correct to me. Price is a bit high but not too bad.
Sincerely,
Ed

Jhiltonn

Sounds good! Thank you!

jhudec

I would bet it is priced a bit higher because it is listed as a 67 spring.if I am not mistaken there are a couple of others listed that may be good candidates. I would request more pics from these to verify, but they are priced a bit more reasonably.
Joe

JBrooke825

Here you go

Alan 71

Hi JB,
Nice!
Do you know if that spring has ever been apart?
What I'm curious about is if each of the leafs is entirely painted?
Regards,
Alan

JBrooke825

Hi Alan , no I don't think it has ever been apart I don't think
There is any paint anywhere. I spoke to the people at Eaton
Last week when I ordered the new spring for the 69 and they
Told me not to take the spring apart and paint between the leaves
Because the paint takes up space and after time goes away and
Leaves the spring loose. Not sure I believe that but that's what they said.
I painted the new spring greased up the liner edges cleaned up the edges
Didn't turn out to bad . But I will look closer at the edges of the spring
For those markings and get back to you . Regards.

Jhiltonn

Hi JB, thanks for the pics! I like the looks of your spring a lot... it appears as though it's got all the nuances that Alan specified that I would need for my 72. I guess I'm wondering if it might have that etching along the middle of the springs that Alan last talked about.... but in any case, what price do you need for it? I have a FedEx account that we could use for shipping it to save 10% off retail shipping cost. As long as you have lots of bubble wrap and a box, we'd be good to go. I can PM you my shipping details, etc. Thanks, Joe
PS - do you know how many miles were on the car that it came off of?

Jhiltonn

Is this rear leaf spring SAFE to mail without any bubble wrap and not in a box? just putting a tag on it and mailing it?? Is there any possibility of it getting damaged if it got dropped, etc.?? that's how they want to mail it to me.

Alan 71

Hi JB,
I think at this point the consensus is that the spring leafs were painted using a paint called Ionoklad.
It was a light to medium gray, and heavy bodied; typically the entire leaf was painted.
There is some thought that the leafs were dipped in a barrel in order to be painted.
Regards,
Alan

This is a sample of the original paint (it the one on the top and was obtained in the 80s).
The other 3 are spring paints from various vendors.