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My father was a master mechanic but recently passed away. I now have his c3 1969. On his death bed he asked me to finish his last project. My first question to anyone is about the leaf spring and its positioning while compressed. Is it supposed to lie flat or with a bit of upward arch? I ask because after examination the rear tires are dragging the fender. I found one shackle bolt and nut was low and out of position. I adjusted it to match the other side. The shocks are soft, and I plan to replace them as well.
Sorry about the death of your father. The spring is usually horizontal or almost horizontal when installed. Best to post pictures of the rear spring from under the car and the four corners of the car. Check to see if your dad used an AIM or Assembly Instruction Manual. It was used by the assembly line workers to assemble the various components and sub-assemblies of the car. Good luck on your project. Jerry
Sorry for you dads passing. Thats a tuff time.
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If the rear spring has the car weight on it and its arching up at the wheels, the spring is shot. At normal ride hight the half shafts should be almost level. And spring slightly arching down. Bolt length may very from 6" to 8" depending on history of suspension.
This us a sample picture for reference. The exhaust is disconnected in this pic.
Welcome to the Forum! Sorry for your loss, but you've come to the best place if you need help completing his last wish. The Corvette expertise here is the best on the web.
As Tampa Jerry said the spring should be horizontal or very close to it when sitting on level ground. If your spring has de-arched it's probably time to replace it.
I'm not sure what you mean by the "rear tires are dragging the fenders", but there shouldn't be any contact between the tires and fenders, even with a weak spring or when the rear spring is fully compressed and against the bump stops. What size tires are on the car and what wheels are on the it? The original tire was an F70x15, and it's modern equivalent is a 215/70R15, the original rally wheels were 15"x8". The stock rear wheel openings will usually handle up to a 255/60R15 tire without any interference, as long as they're mounted on a wheel with the correct offset.
If the spring is weak and/or worn out, replacing the shocks won't do anything. Shocks don't support the car or the spring, they're only purpose is to control suspension motion.
My deepest condolences on your father’s recent passing. It has been 3 years since my Dad passed and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. Even though he lived 300 miles away, he and my Mom would drive up to N TX and help me at critical junctures in the frame off resto of my ‘67. As others have opined, the AIM is an absolutely essential guide for wrenching on/restoring your Corvette. Good luck and have fun with your project!
bman
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Tighten the rear spring bolts that are on the end of the spring and it will raise the rear end...after you tighten the bolts you have to roll the car for the tires to come in...
Sorry about your Dad..
help me honor
