Re-Arching a old Rear Leaf Spring ???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
Re-Arching a old Rear Leaf Spring ???
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
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
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
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 164
From: Broadview hts Ohio
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
Joe
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
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.
Last edited by Jhiltonn; Mar 11, 2017 at 03:58 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
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?
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?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
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.
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.
Thank you,
Joe
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
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 (?)
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 (?)
Last edited by Alan 71; Mar 12, 2017 at 10:05 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
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
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
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 802
From: Massapequa Park NY
That one looks correct to me. Price is a bit high but not too bad.
Sincerely,
Ed
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 164
From: Broadview hts Ohio
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
Joe
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 261
From: Blue Bell PA
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
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.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
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?
PS - do you know how many miles were on the car that it came off of?
Last edited by Jhiltonn; Mar 12, 2017 at 06:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 419
Likes: 15
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
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.
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.