Strange Leaf Spring !!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Strange Leaf Spring !!!!
Hello everyone.
This is my first question in the C3.
I am about to purchase my first corvette, 1975 stingray coupe.
Its beautiful bright blue, in almost show condition.
I will be the 4th owner. The vette has a one piece "fiberglass" or 'carbon fiber' leaf spring, in place of the standard metal ones.
The guy said it really makes it a more comforatable ride. I agree, it was the most smoothest ride Ive been in since many test rides.
Does anyone else know about this kind of different leaf spring? Im trying to get all the information about the vehicle together.
The previous owner has a huge box of paperwork including the original copies of the complete vehicle parts manual.
Thanks !!!
This is my first question in the C3.
I am about to purchase my first corvette, 1975 stingray coupe.
Its beautiful bright blue, in almost show condition.
I will be the 4th owner. The vette has a one piece "fiberglass" or 'carbon fiber' leaf spring, in place of the standard metal ones.
The guy said it really makes it a more comforatable ride. I agree, it was the most smoothest ride Ive been in since many test rides.
Does anyone else know about this kind of different leaf spring? Im trying to get all the information about the vehicle together.
The previous owner has a huge box of paperwork including the original copies of the complete vehicle parts manual.
Thanks !!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Fiberglass replacement springs are a popular swap for the stock steel leaf springs. The seller should be able to give you the information you want concerning the spring. Make, model, spring rate, etc.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
thanks Mike.
He kind of doesnt know much, as he said he bought it that way, with lots of upgrades. I have to admit, that Im still in the basics learning also, so I turned to you experts for the concensus.
Heres a list of the stuff that was done:
• Less than 75,000 miles, 420 HP, Metallic Blue, T-tops, Automatic, extra clean interior • Edelbrock: Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Heads- 64cc, Performer RPM Camshaft/Lifters/Lube Kit, Performer RPM Manifold, Elite Series low profile valve covers and air breather, double roller timing chain and gears, polished aluminum timing chain cover • Turbo 400 transmission with shift kit • 356 rear-end • Speed Demon 750cfm double pump carburetor • Chrome water pump and alternator • Flowmaster mufflers • Mallory HEI ignition • 30 over Powerforged Pistons • Stock Crank & Rods • Numbers match and also have stock heads
He kind of doesnt know much, as he said he bought it that way, with lots of upgrades. I have to admit, that Im still in the basics learning also, so I turned to you experts for the concensus.
Heres a list of the stuff that was done:
• Less than 75,000 miles, 420 HP, Metallic Blue, T-tops, Automatic, extra clean interior • Edelbrock: Performer RPM Aluminum Cylinder Heads- 64cc, Performer RPM Camshaft/Lifters/Lube Kit, Performer RPM Manifold, Elite Series low profile valve covers and air breather, double roller timing chain and gears, polished aluminum timing chain cover • Turbo 400 transmission with shift kit • 356 rear-end • Speed Demon 750cfm double pump carburetor • Chrome water pump and alternator • Flowmaster mufflers • Mallory HEI ignition • 30 over Powerforged Pistons • Stock Crank & Rods • Numbers match and also have stock heads
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From: York PA
"Does anyone else know about this kind of different leaf spring? Im trying to get all the information about the vehicle together."
Several mfgs sell this type of replacement fibre spring - ZIP being one of them. If you go to their website> www.zip-products.com and search for rear suspension they have 3-4 fibre springs shown there and a brief description. Also in the forum archives someone did a conversion with tons of pictures. I dont remember who it was but it was about a year ago and gave all the details. You could search both places to get a handle on what they are.
chuck
Several mfgs sell this type of replacement fibre spring - ZIP being one of them. If you go to their website> www.zip-products.com and search for rear suspension they have 3-4 fibre springs shown there and a brief description. Also in the forum archives someone did a conversion with tons of pictures. I dont remember who it was but it was about a year ago and gave all the details. You could search both places to get a handle on what they are.
chuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
The only 2 issues I've heard about replacement fibreglass transverse springs are to do with
1: the ride height ... some springs are too stiff and body sits too high.
and
2: possible affect of heat from the exhaust. If the exhaust sits too close to the spring it can affect it's longevity. I believe there are heat shields that can be used to safeguard the spring in those cases.
Other than that, they provide a considerable weight saving, so straight line performance improves
as well as cornering ability.
Motor sounds like it has some nice goodies in it.
1: the ride height ... some springs are too stiff and body sits too high.
and
2: possible affect of heat from the exhaust. If the exhaust sits too close to the spring it can affect it's longevity. I believe there are heat shields that can be used to safeguard the spring in those cases.
Other than that, they provide a considerable weight saving, so straight line performance improves
as well as cornering ability. Motor sounds like it has some nice goodies in it.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I have one, works fine. Keep your exhaust pipes away or insolated. There is 1 brand that is suposed to be over arched, which effects ride height. Search the forum. Not sure which brand. I doubt if many owners could tell the difference in the ride between a comperable steel or fiberglass spring.
If it's already installed and the car drives ok, then it is a non issue.
If it's already installed and the car drives ok, then it is a non issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,000
Likes: 1
From: Minneapolis, Mn USA
Give us a pic of the spring and try to pull any part numbers off it.
If it is a wider as you get flatter style spring towards the ends, it is a TRW style. This style is know to give you a higher rear ride height and can only be fixed with 10 inch bolts-as long as the bolt doesn't interfere with tires, etc...
If it is a narrow spring across the entire length, then it is a VBP style spring. This spring is known to not give you any ride height issues.
Either spring requires special valved shocks so you dont get a bouncy rear end. You cant put any shock on and expect good results.
Keep the heat away from it so it doesnt break on you.
B.....
If it is a wider as you get flatter style spring towards the ends, it is a TRW style. This style is know to give you a higher rear ride height and can only be fixed with 10 inch bolts-as long as the bolt doesn't interfere with tires, etc...
If it is a narrow spring across the entire length, then it is a VBP style spring. This spring is known to not give you any ride height issues.
Either spring requires special valved shocks so you dont get a bouncy rear end. You cant put any shock on and expect good results.
Keep the heat away from it so it doesnt break on you.
B.....
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Brownstown Michigan
I swapped my steel leaf springs for a composite mono spring and i'm satisfied with the way it handles. If you do more research, the composite mono spring is made of Kevlar material which is the same material our soldiers helmet is made of and it will not rust overtime. Furthermore, if you log on to eckler'scorvette.com, it will ask you the weight of the mono spring you desire. 300lbs and so on. The heavier the weight the stiffer the ride. I suggest you ask to speak to eckler's technician before buying one.
Tony
Tony
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 0
From: chicago IL
Sounds like a good car, how much are they asking for it?
Where in Chicago are you located? Where's the car located? Let me know if you ever need any help or advice, I have a 79 that I have been working on myself for 5 years. Welcome to the community.
Where in Chicago are you located? Where's the car located? Let me know if you ever need any help or advice, I have a 79 that I have been working on myself for 5 years. Welcome to the community.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Cheshire CT
I'm dealing with a composit spring ride height issue as we speak. I have the Hypercoil 330lb spring from Van Steel. It is sitting 2 1/2 inches too high. I am going to try the 10 inch bolts.
With the car you are looking at you should look under the rear to check on which bolts they used. If the bolts (at the ends of the spring near the tire) are to close to the tire or to close to the ground you may have problems. The bolt could rub up against the wall of the tire which would result in a blow out or if they are to close to the ground the bolt will hit the ground before the rim when you have a flat tire. This is what I am concerned about witrh my car so I am not sure this will solve my problem.
While you are under there checking make sure they protected the spring (like others have said) from heat by wrapping the exhaust or spring with header wrap or a similar heat shield.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
BTW Van Steel is really sticking by their product and have been very helpful in resolving my situation.
With the car you are looking at you should look under the rear to check on which bolts they used. If the bolts (at the ends of the spring near the tire) are to close to the tire or to close to the ground you may have problems. The bolt could rub up against the wall of the tire which would result in a blow out or if they are to close to the ground the bolt will hit the ground before the rim when you have a flat tire. This is what I am concerned about witrh my car so I am not sure this will solve my problem.
While you are under there checking make sure they protected the spring (like others have said) from heat by wrapping the exhaust or spring with header wrap or a similar heat shield.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
BTW Van Steel is really sticking by their product and have been very helpful in resolving my situation.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi VS,
It sounds like you're looking at a really nice car, with some good modifications.
You mention that it's 'numbers matching' which is always a good thing. From your description it sounds like some of the parts wich usually make up a 'numbers matching' car may be gone or at least off the car. It would be good to get ALL the original parts that might still be with the car at this time.
If you do buy this Corvette get ready for some big fun!!!
Regards,
Alan
It sounds like you're looking at a really nice car, with some good modifications.
You mention that it's 'numbers matching' which is always a good thing. From your description it sounds like some of the parts wich usually make up a 'numbers matching' car may be gone or at least off the car. It would be good to get ALL the original parts that might still be with the car at this time.
If you do buy this Corvette get ready for some big fun!!!
Regards,
Alan
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 43
From: Choctaw Country
Hi VS,
It sounds like you're looking at a really nice car, with some good modifications.
You mention that it's 'numbers matching' which is always a good thing. From your description it sounds like some of the parts wich usually make up a 'numbers matching' car may be gone or at least off the car. It would be good to get ALL the original parts that might still be with the car at this time.
If you do buy this Corvette get ready for some big fun!!!
Regards,
Alan
It sounds like you're looking at a really nice car, with some good modifications.
You mention that it's 'numbers matching' which is always a good thing. From your description it sounds like some of the parts wich usually make up a 'numbers matching' car may be gone or at least off the car. It would be good to get ALL the original parts that might still be with the car at this time.
If you do buy this Corvette get ready for some big fun!!!
Regards,
Alan
These cars are lots more fun with some simple add-ons! You'll love it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,802
Likes: 241
From: Niles, MI
I'm dealing with a composit spring ride height issue as we speak. I have the Hypercoil 330lb spring from Van Steel. It is sitting 2 1/2 inches too high. I am going to try the 10 inch bolts.
With the car you are looking at you should look under the rear to check on which bolts they used. If the bolts (at the ends of the spring near the tire) are to close to the tire or to close to the ground you may have problems. The bolt could rub up against the wall of the tire which would result in a blow out or if they are to close to the ground the bolt will hit the ground before the rim when you have a flat tire. This is what I am concerned about witrh my car so I am not sure this will solve my problem.
BTW Van Steel is really sticking by their product and have been very helpful in resolving my situation.
With the car you are looking at you should look under the rear to check on which bolts they used. If the bolts (at the ends of the spring near the tire) are to close to the tire or to close to the ground you may have problems. The bolt could rub up against the wall of the tire which would result in a blow out or if they are to close to the ground the bolt will hit the ground before the rim when you have a flat tire. This is what I am concerned about witrh my car so I am not sure this will solve my problem.
BTW Van Steel is really sticking by their product and have been very helpful in resolving my situation.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Im near Joliet, Thanks for the advise! The cars having hi-performance cats put on it, since it didnt have any on them. (need to be legal and all). It rides very nice. Got a great deal on it, up in nortehrn IL.