Composite spring torque value on bolts
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Ohio
Composite spring torque value on bolts
I put a vette brackes and products rear composite spring on my 80and used the old three hole plate. I got the 50 foot pounds torque on the one bolt on the front side. The two bolts to the rear seem to be bending the plate before reaching the torque. The new spring is 2" and the old was 2 and1/2" wide. I think this is causing the problem. Any thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
What did the instructions from VBP say? If nothing you need to call them direct for sure so not to damage the spring.
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '09
I happen to have my instructions right here.
3. Evenly torque factory bolts and steel plate to Reduced specs.
4. 63-77 / 40-45 lbs ft 78-79 / 40-45 lbs ft 80-82 45-50 lbs ft (flat side of plate to spring)
If you're tightening them evenly....who knows?
3. Evenly torque factory bolts and steel plate to Reduced specs.
4. 63-77 / 40-45 lbs ft 78-79 / 40-45 lbs ft 80-82 45-50 lbs ft (flat side of plate to spring)
If you're tightening them evenly....who knows?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
Their is a pad on the top and the bottom and I had the instructions that said 45-50 foot lbs for a 80. With a half inch of space between the spring and the bolts the cover plate looks to me like it is bending on the side with two holes and I have not met the 50#s yet. The back one bolt met the torque with no problem. On an 80 the spring bolt plate is a triangle with three bolts.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
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From: Ohio
The back side of the instruction sheet was blured but I think it said 36-40 footpounds for a 80. Not sure why the front and back would be different numbers. I guess I neeed to give them a call.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Isnt there a steel plate that stands up between the plate and housing and goes under the 2 bolt side? The single bolt side bottoms the plate against housing.
Edit I think you need GM #14030190 This gives the bolts something to bottom out on instead of squeezing the pads.
Edit I think you need GM #14030190 This gives the bolts something to bottom out on instead of squeezing the pads.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Nov 9, 2006 at 07:51 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 27
From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
Originally Posted by LYLE
No part like that was on the car. All that came in the spring box was the spring. I can see how that plate would help but the size would need to be perfect.
Never saw this part in any literature or pics ???
Race Director
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by LYLE
No part like that was on the car. All that came in the spring box was the spring. I can see how that plate would help but the size would need to be perfect.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Nov 9, 2006 at 11:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
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From: Ohio
I have a 80 with a steel spring I was replaceing I think the other poster said that spacer was used on a 81 that had a factory composite spring. I do not know if my car had the hole this plate goes in but I doubt it as it wasn't needed in 80.
Race Director
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Lyle -is your composite set up like this? I seperated the pieces a little bit so you could see them.The piece with the X on it is steel and what keeps the distance so the bolts can be torqued.The composite cant be held tight -it has to be captured and cradled in rubber.I think the piece in the pic I posted will work for you providing the holes are there.If the holes are not there you can drill them.The piece is 2 1/4 tall and 2 1/2 wide.The plate in my pic takes the place of the piece in this pic with the X.
Last edited by ...Roger...; Nov 10, 2006 at 08:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
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From: Ohio
Thanks The spring came with electrical tape holding all the parts together so I will need to check it out. I would think the vendor would have sent the correct parts as it was ordered for a 80 from Voulenteer and drop shipped from I think something like vett brakes I will check the label.
Race Director
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Lyle if your spring is this type in this link then you will "HAVE" to have either the plate I showed you or something like it to limit how far the bolts can go.This spring in this link only has rubber top and bottom.It has no steel as the TRW spring in post #16.Look at the differance in the mounting systems the TRW is much more complex than the one from Van Steel
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1852
http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1852
Race Director
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by Van Steel
That piece should be there. It won't come in your new kit as you are supposed to re-use it.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Phoenix AZ
Originally Posted by LYLE
.... The new spring is 2" and the old was 2 and1/2" wide. ....
Originally Posted by DWncchs
....wonder if he would be better off with the TRW ....
Last edited by 82Vette'ster; Nov 12, 2006 at 10:59 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by 82Vette'ster
Is that the right spring then?
Note that the TRW springs are known for too much arch. 8 inch bolts at least to get stock ride hight. Previous owner put the one in my car, I would not have bought a TRW. .
Note that the TRW springs are known for too much arch. 8 inch bolts at least to get stock ride hight. Previous owner put the one in my car, I would not have bought a TRW. .