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I have the gymkhana 9 leaf spring. It looks in pretty good condition, but squeaks. Can the springs be rebuilt? Do they sell kits, or the material (I don't know what they're called) between each leaf?
They can be rebuilt. From what I've read, that often includes rebending them to get get back to the original spring rate. As they do rebuild them, there must be kits for it. But bending them to spec I suspect requires some training and equipment.
I have the gymkhana 9 leaf spring. It looks in pretty good condition, but squeaks. Can the springs be rebuilt? Do they sell kits, or the material (I don't know what they're called) between each leaf?
I would spray it with some PB blaster.Call them first and see which one they suggest. If that does not work look for a spring rebuilder in your area because the liners can be replaced unless spring lost its arch? You probably can contact your local;Corvette shop for suggestions.
I would spray it with some PB blaster.Call them first and see which one they suggest. If that does not work look for a spring rebuilder in your area because the liners can be replaced unless spring lost its arch? You probably can contact your local;Corvette shop for suggestions.
I did try spraying mine with penetrating oil years ago. Didn't help. Solved it with a composite spring. I think unless originality is an objective, I'd buy a composite before rebuilding. But, that's just a personal choice and possible option - not looking to start a debate.
9 leaf (or 8 leaf plus a spacer that looks like a leaf) is likely correct for FE7 in 1981. All the other C3s that year got a pillow-soft TRW-style fiberglass monoleaf.
That said, I stand by my recommendation of a VanSteel low-arch monoleaf spring. Put the steel spring in your basement with the other stock parts that are obsolete after 55 years.
Here's the steel spring from my 80, before I gave it away on this Forum.
Last edited by Bikespace; Dec 17, 2020 at 08:02 AM.
9 leaf (or 8 leaf plus a spacer that looks like a leaf) is likely correct for FE7 in 1981. All the other C3s that year got a pillow-soft TRW-style fiberglass monoleaf.
That said, I stand by my recommendation of a VanSteel low-arch monoleaf spring. Put the steel spring in your basement with the other stock parts that are obsolete after 55 years.
Here's the steel spring from my 80, before I gave it away on this Forum.
looks like you were nice enough to clean it up for the next guy. The only parts not rusty on my '80 were covered in solidified oil spray.
I have a 78 I’ve been keeping all original and a second one that gets upgraded continuously. The rear was sagging, and significantly more on one side. The standard spring is 9-leaf with high-zinc metal liners (discontinued yrs ago); 2 1/2 in., all painted with high-zinc grey paint. The optional FE-7 spring is 2 1/4 in. With unpainted, graphite impregnated polypropylene liners (still available from GM). The liners wear out at the ends. If the worn end is cut off the liner will still work for years in the next space up, and you only have to replace the longest one. I took the spring to the spring shop where they re-arched it to original specs and re-tempered it. Cost $82; half for dis- and re-assembly. Recommend taking it to the spring shop apart, and reassemble yourself. On my ultra-low mileage car all the liners were in good shape. It still needs penetrating spray at every lube job to stay quiet. The other 78 got a dual-mount composite spring which I’ve been very happy with, but I rarely take advantage of its adjustability. I think a single mount composite spring and a rear sway bar would have made me just as happy. If your trailing arms also need work go to coil-overs.
Charlie
If your car is a 'driver', put a monoleaf spring in it. Save the original or sell it to someone who just "has to have an original" '81 FE7 piece. No rattles or squeaks with the monoleaf spring and the ride is lots better. Now, if you drive this car on road courses, keep the original spring...but please buy some good shocks.
Rebuild FE7 Spring?
