Proof without invoice? 1968 L71 - F41
#1
Proof without invoice? 1968 L71 - F41
I've read all the F41 posts and think this just might be a waste of time.
I bought a 68 L71 several years ago as a resto project. Don't have the tank sticker, invoice, but the body trim tag is still there.
So far all the numbers i've checked match either VIN or date code including engine, frame, carbs, trans, axle, everything is correct.
I have the car completely disassembled and surprised i didn't notice it earlier but the rear leaf has 7 springs. the measurements of the front/rear sway and larger shocks are correct for the F41 package.
is there anyway i can verify this package came with the car without the invoice?
Thanks for any help, J
I bought a 68 L71 several years ago as a resto project. Don't have the tank sticker, invoice, but the body trim tag is still there.
So far all the numbers i've checked match either VIN or date code including engine, frame, carbs, trans, axle, everything is correct.
I have the car completely disassembled and surprised i didn't notice it earlier but the rear leaf has 7 springs. the measurements of the front/rear sway and larger shocks are correct for the F41 package.
is there anyway i can verify this package came with the car without the invoice?
Thanks for any help, J
#2
even if all the parts are correct, anybody could have installed them after the car left the factory at any time that they were available over the parts counter..
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MGKelly (08-20-2018)
#3
#4
I thought f-41 was mandatory on an L-71. So if you know it's an L-71 than it's standard on that vette.There was a charge for it of course.
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MGKelly (08-20-2018)
#5
Le Mans Master
Give the man a cigar^^^^^^^^^^^^^!!!!!!!!
All 427 V8 had the heavier front and rear springs, front AND a rear sway bars (BB's only):
Everything you want to know about what came with any Corvette can be found here: THIS SHOULD BE A STICKY so folks can look up many of the questions that constantly come up on the forum:
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...t-Corvette.pdf
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MGKelly (08-20-2018)
#6
Give the man a cigar^^^^^^^^^^^^^!!!!!!!!
All 427 V8 had the heavier front and rear springs, front AND a rear sway bars (BB's only):
Everything you want to know about what came with any Corvette can be found here: THIS SHOULD BE A STICKY so folks can look up many of the questions that constantly come up on the forum:
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...t-Corvette.pdf
All 427 V8 had the heavier front and rear springs, front AND a rear sway bars (BB's only):
Everything you want to know about what came with any Corvette can be found here: THIS SHOULD BE A STICKY so folks can look up many of the questions that constantly come up on the forum:
https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...t-Corvette.pdf
Didn't see it in the suspension or options section, do you know what page it's on? I thought the F41 option was only standard on the L88/L89 in 1968.
thanks again, J
#7
Melting Slicks
Thanks for the help! I would love to agree as it would make my day, but I can't find the info in the pdf that supports F41 being standard in all 427's.
Didn't see it in the suspension or options section, do you know what page it's on? I thought the F41 option was only standard on the L88/L89 in 1968.
thanks again, J
Didn't see it in the suspension or options section, do you know what page it's on? I thought the F41 option was only standard on the L88/L89 in 1968.
thanks again, J
The F41 package was NOT mandatory for the L71 but was only an OPTION for the L71 only. I believe it was a mandatory option on the L88. They made a total of 1661 cars with the F41 in 1969. They made a total of 2722 L71's. Obviously not every L71 got the F41.
All 427's received larger sway bars but that was NOT the F41 package. The F41 package consisted of different shocks and 7 leaf spring.
You could not order the F41 with any other engine except the L71 and had to have it with the L88.
Last edited by ed427vette; 08-20-2018 at 10:54 PM.
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MGKelly (08-21-2018)
#8
And you will NOT find it either because that is not the case.
The F41 package was NOT mandatory for the L71 but was only an OPTION for the L71 only. I believe it was a mandatory option on the L88. They made a total of 1661 cars with the F41 in 1969. They made a total of 2722 L71's. Obviously not every L71 got the F41.
All 427's received larger sway bars but that was NOT the F41 package. The F41 package consisted of different shocks and 7 leaf spring.
You could not order the F41 with any other engine except the L71 and had to have it with the L88.
The F41 package was NOT mandatory for the L71 but was only an OPTION for the L71 only. I believe it was a mandatory option on the L88. They made a total of 1661 cars with the F41 in 1969. They made a total of 2722 L71's. Obviously not every L71 got the F41.
All 427's received larger sway bars but that was NOT the F41 package. The F41 package consisted of different shocks and 7 leaf spring.
You could not order the F41 with any other engine except the L71 and had to have it with the L88.
#9
Le Mans Master
And you will NOT find it either because that is not the case.
The F41 package was NOT mandatory for the L71 but was only an OPTION for the L71 only. I believe it was a mandatory option on the L88. They made a total of 1661 cars with the F41 in 1969. They made a total of 2722 L71's. Obviously not every L71 got the F41.
All 427's received larger sway bars but that was NOT the F41 package. The F41 package consisted of different shocks and 7 leaf spring.
You could not order the F41 with any other engine except the L71 and had to have it with the L88.
The F41 package was NOT mandatory for the L71 but was only an OPTION for the L71 only. I believe it was a mandatory option on the L88. They made a total of 1661 cars with the F41 in 1969. They made a total of 2722 L71's. Obviously not every L71 got the F41.
All 427's received larger sway bars but that was NOT the F41 package. The F41 package consisted of different shocks and 7 leaf spring.
You could not order the F41 with any other engine except the L71 and had to have it with the L88.
In researching this question, I did note that the 427 L-88 definitely had a F41 suspension versus the standard BB cars as mandatory. Is it possible that the only 68 cars with F-41 were L88's...just asking?
A few things are apparent though. All BB 68's came with heavier front springs than the SBC. All BB cars had a 15/16 inch front sway bar versus the SB 68's 3/4 inch front bar. All BB cars had a 9/16 rear sway bar versus no rear sway bar for the SBC cars. All BB C3's received a 9 leaf rear transverse spring (the SBC 68's as well) but a different spring rate. There is no mention of a 7 leaf spring offered for a 68 C3 in the documentation which does NOT mean it was not offered, just not mentioned. There is no mention in the documentation of differeing springs for the BB versus SB cars..the same shocks are mentioned.
If there is an F41 suspension option for non L88 cars, the difference appears to be the 7 leaf heavier spring rate transverse spring and possibly a heavier shock...that is it. FWIW-Going to a much heavier rear spring without upping the front spring rate using the same stock sway bars would allow for much more oversteer so I would have to assume the F41 option also upped the front coil spring rates as well to go with the higher spring rate 7 leaf transverse spring.
Does anyone have strong documented evidence of the F41 components in 68/69 etc? Thanks
Last edited by jb78L-82; 08-21-2018 at 07:43 AM.
#10
Le Mans Master
I found this from a post 15 years ago:
For the 1969 model year, the following parts were included in the Corvette F-41 suspension:
15/16" front sway bar (standard bar was 7/8") - #3831972
9/16" rear sway bar (same as other 1969 big blocks) - #?
550 lb/in rate front coil springs - #3832518 (broadcast code "EA")
152 lb/in (per side) rear leaf spring (seven leaf) - #3828811 (broadcast code "EB")
Special shock mounts (provided clearance for larger diameter shock absorbers) - #3829265 (left) and #3829266 (right)
Special shock absorbers (physically, the fronts looked similar to standard equipment parts; rear shocks used a larger diameter shaft with a "coolie hat" instead of the standard equipment sleeve) - Afraid that I don't have the part numbers handy, but I can get them if you absolutely need them.
My understanding is that only L-71/L-89/L-88/ZL-1 cars could be equipped with F-41 in 1969... If someone has real documentation to the contrary, I'd really be curious to see it.
For the 1969 model year, the following parts were included in the Corvette F-41 suspension:
15/16" front sway bar (standard bar was 7/8") - #3831972
9/16" rear sway bar (same as other 1969 big blocks) - #?
550 lb/in rate front coil springs - #3832518 (broadcast code "EA")
152 lb/in (per side) rear leaf spring (seven leaf) - #3828811 (broadcast code "EB")
Special shock mounts (provided clearance for larger diameter shock absorbers) - #3829265 (left) and #3829266 (right)
Special shock absorbers (physically, the fronts looked similar to standard equipment parts; rear shocks used a larger diameter shaft with a "coolie hat" instead of the standard equipment sleeve) - Afraid that I don't have the part numbers handy, but I can get them if you absolutely need them.
My understanding is that only L-71/L-89/L-88/ZL-1 cars could be equipped with F-41 in 1969... If someone has real documentation to the contrary, I'd really be curious to see it.
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MGKelly (08-21-2018)
#12
Melting Slicks
I found this from a post 15 years ago:
For the 1969 model year, the following parts were included in the Corvette F-41 suspension:
15/16" front sway bar (standard bar was 7/8") - #3831972
9/16" rear sway bar (same as other 1969 big blocks) - #?
550 lb/in rate front coil springs - #3832518 (broadcast code "EA")
152 lb/in (per side) rear leaf spring (seven leaf) - #3828811 (broadcast code "EB")
Special shock mounts (provided clearance for larger diameter shock absorbers) - #3829265 (left) and #3829266 (right)
Special shock absorbers (physically, the fronts looked similar to standard equipment parts; rear shocks used a larger diameter shaft with a "coolie hat" instead of the standard equipment sleeve) - Afraid that I don't have the part numbers handy, but I can get them if you absolutely need them.
My understanding is that only L-71/L-89/L-88/ZL-1 cars could be equipped with F-41 in 1969... If someone has real documentation to the contrary, I'd really be curious to see it.
For the 1969 model year, the following parts were included in the Corvette F-41 suspension:
15/16" front sway bar (standard bar was 7/8") - #3831972
9/16" rear sway bar (same as other 1969 big blocks) - #?
550 lb/in rate front coil springs - #3832518 (broadcast code "EA")
152 lb/in (per side) rear leaf spring (seven leaf) - #3828811 (broadcast code "EB")
Special shock mounts (provided clearance for larger diameter shock absorbers) - #3829265 (left) and #3829266 (right)
Special shock absorbers (physically, the fronts looked similar to standard equipment parts; rear shocks used a larger diameter shaft with a "coolie hat" instead of the standard equipment sleeve) - Afraid that I don't have the part numbers handy, but I can get them if you absolutely need them.
My understanding is that only L-71/L-89/L-88/ZL-1 cars could be equipped with F-41 in 1969... If someone has real documentation to the contrary, I'd really be curious to see it.
On both 68 and 69 dealer order forms the F41 option box states "for the L71 only".
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MGKelly (08-21-2018)
#13
Everyone, Thanks for all the info. Someone probably added the F41 components to the car along the way.
whether or not the option was ordered with the car, we’ll never know.
J
whether or not the option was ordered with the car, we’ll never know.
J
Last edited by MGKelly; 08-21-2018 at 01:23 PM.
#14
Le Mans Master
If you are not married to originality and really want to improve the ride, steering response and handling of your BB C3 you may want to consider some of what is on my 78 L-82 Gymkhana suspended C3.
Keep the 550 front coils-Same as on my SBC L-82 in 1978
Source a later front F41/gymkhana sway bar 1 1/8 inch
Keep the rear 9/16 rear OEM bar or go larger to a 3/4 inch OEM type sway bar...NOT an aftermarket style rear bar
360lbs or 420 lbs composite rear transverse spring
Bilstein Shocks Heavy Duties in front/Bilstein Sports in the rear with the 360 or 420 composite
Competition Heim jointed Strut rods
Your BB 68 with the above ^^^^^will handily outhandle, steer, and ride over any F41 BB C3...guaranteed
Keep the 550 front coils-Same as on my SBC L-82 in 1978
Source a later front F41/gymkhana sway bar 1 1/8 inch
Keep the rear 9/16 rear OEM bar or go larger to a 3/4 inch OEM type sway bar...NOT an aftermarket style rear bar
360lbs or 420 lbs composite rear transverse spring
Bilstein Shocks Heavy Duties in front/Bilstein Sports in the rear with the 360 or 420 composite
Competition Heim jointed Strut rods
Your BB 68 with the above ^^^^^will handily outhandle, steer, and ride over any F41 BB C3...guaranteed
Last edited by jb78L-82; 08-21-2018 at 02:05 PM.
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MGKelly (08-21-2018)
#17
#18
The rear shock mounts are correct F41, they were not added they came with car. I know, no one cares but me, lol
Last edited by MGKelly; 08-24-2018 at 10:32 AM.