Coil Spring Spacers In 1972 L48
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
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Coil Spring Spacers In 1972 L48
Hello all, I have owned my 1972 for 28 years a L48 numbers matching coupe. Rebuilt the stock 350/200 a month ago to original spec and replaced lower control arm bushings and pulled coils and shocks while motor was out. There were rubber spacers on the coils which I didn't realize were on A/C cars and tossed them as they were beat. Now of course my car looks like a dragster with a 2.5 inch space between tire top and fender lip in back and about 1 inch in front. Not acceptable. I can't believe the removal of the spacers dropped the front end down to nearly a tire clearance problem (255/60/15). Can anyone offer me a solution? I see Dr. Rebuild has some spacers but look too thin? It is arctic here in PA so the car is not coming out too soon. Thanks a lot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Why not just lower the rear to match? This can be easily accomplished by installing 8" rear spring bolts w/nylocks to facilitate setting rear height to suit, and would result in a handling improvement (assuming the roads on which you drive will permit the lower ride heights). My $.02
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
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The factory never put rubber spacers under the front springs. Some PO must have done so to address your very issue.
New springs are the solution. But it's hard to find the stock rate springs today. On your car, they most likely were a 260 lb/in. rate. Everybody seems to want to sell the "GT" (460 lb/in.) or stiffer springs.
If you can't find a pair of springs on the shelf somewhere, there is an outfit called Coil Spring Specialties that can wind you a pair of springs for any ride height or rate that you want.
New springs are the solution. But it's hard to find the stock rate springs today. On your car, they most likely were a 260 lb/in. rate. Everybody seems to want to sell the "GT" (460 lb/in.) or stiffer springs.
If you can't find a pair of springs on the shelf somewhere, there is an outfit called Coil Spring Specialties that can wind you a pair of springs for any ride height or rate that you want.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
which will fit C3s. I had come across it but not given it any thought as its listed for 63-67 Corvettes. I'm buying it through Western Corvette as they were the only people who were able to find me something to do the job. The only question I have is the Note 1 and Note 2 on the page which suggests the thicker wire size goes with the softer spring which I find highly unlikely. I contacted Corvette America about it but they haven't responded.
Last edited by Priya; Feb 11, 2014 at 11:30 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
That's the problem I ran into. I was planning on buying a custom set from Coil Spring Specialties and when they were slow to respond I tried one last time to find an off-the shelf set and called Western Corvette in Calgary. To my amazement he tells me he can get some 293 lb/in rate springs for my '79 when I've looked everywhere to find a set under 460 lb/in. Turns out Corvette America has a 293 lb/in spring part # 20391
which will fit C3s. I had come across it but not given it any thought as its listed for 63-67 Corvettes. I'm buying it through Western Corvette as they were the only people who were able to find me something to do the job. The only question I have is the Note 1 and Note 2 on the page which suggests the thicker wire size goes with the softer spring which I find highly unlikely. I contacted Corvette America about it but they haven't responded.
which will fit C3s. I had come across it but not given it any thought as its listed for 63-67 Corvettes. I'm buying it through Western Corvette as they were the only people who were able to find me something to do the job. The only question I have is the Note 1 and Note 2 on the page which suggests the thicker wire size goes with the softer spring which I find highly unlikely. I contacted Corvette America about it but they haven't responded.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 6,397
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From: Saskatoon Saskatchewan
The spring with the bigger wire size was also 1/2 inch longer, do you think that makes it softer than the shorter spring with the thinner wire size?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
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From: S Nevada
I do believe the OP was referring to the rubber spacers inserted between the coils of the front springs. My 72 with factory air had them too. They were indeed factory installed.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,000
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From: New York
He can buy them , it should be a common after market item
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...FSYOOgod2E4AMQ
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...FSYOOgod2E4AMQ
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 45
From: Cameron Park CA
The after market has aluminum spacers in various thicknesses. They go between the lower control arm and the spring. They are very light so they have very little (almost none) contribution to unsprung weight.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gls-1106/overview/
The Chevrolet Chassis Manual gives ride height for your car. The measurements are taken on the suspension components so tire size does not enter into the equation.
Pete
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gls-1106/overview/
The Chevrolet Chassis Manual gives ride height for your car. The measurements are taken on the suspension components so tire size does not enter into the equation.
Pete
Last edited by PeteZO6; Feb 15, 2014 at 09:35 PM. Reason: Changed to better link.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 299
From: Midlothian VA
Rubber coil spring spacers were introduced via service bulletin to resolve ride height issues with BB+A/C cars. They mounted below the spring into the spring pocket. Between the coil spacers wouldn't come factory installed - possibly dealer installed item. You can still get the pocket spacers from YearOne & DrRebuild. The OP has a small block. The below coil spacers came in two lift heights. Odds are if these will not correct his ride height then an issue that won't be easily corrected with coil spring inserts.