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The trailer package incorporated the FE7 heavy-duty suspension...which means it would have a 7/16" rear sway bar along with heavy-duty shocks. There was no trailer hitch receiver!
Bring it to a Corvette shop that details. Once clear coat is fuzzy the only way to bring back hand sand it and carefully! Not a large job but time consuming
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by signify
Bring it to a Corvette shop that details. Once clear coat is fuzzy the only way to bring back hand sand it and carefully! Not a large job but time consuming
If the paint is still original it's lacquer and doesn't have a clearcoat...
Regarding the lacquer paint, I've seen recommendations in the past of using Meguiar's #7. They say to use generous amounts and let it sit for awhile (overnight) before buffing it off. I would try a small, inconspicuous area first.
You'll see in that 2003 post that I've studied the FE7 suspension equipment over the years; there were production changes that can lead to identifying an FE7 in a particular model year.
The 78 FE7 spring differed from its predecessors. Here's the script intended for the 4th edition of the NCRS technical manual (not published):
The optional FE7 Gymkhana Suspension introduced in 1974 continued in 1978-79. Both years, FE7 consists of higher-rated front springs, a large 1 1/8" diameter front stabilizer bar, a 7/16" rear sway bar, a higher-rated 6-leaf rear spring and heavy-duty shocks. FE7 was available with any engine option. Most heavy-duty parts are interchangeable with regular production parts. In 1979, RPO F51, heavy-duty shock absorbers were an additional option.
The heavy-duty (FE7) suspension uses a six-leaf spring that is narrower than the standard spring and painted primer gray. The black plastic liners are ‘H’ shaped and are not painted. (Fig. Ch 12.18) The FE7 springs were brush-painted upside down on the bottom side only of each individual leaf before assembly, and the paint ran over the edges; thus edges may appear natural. The top side is bare steel while the bottom is stamped with the broadcast code.
Due to the narrower width of the spring, the spacer straddles either side of the spring within the differential carriage, plate and bolts. Spacers maintains the FE7 spring width and is not to be considered an eighth leaf. When absent, the spring over time will twist out of alignment.
1977 was the first year for the optional ZN1 trailer package offered in 1978-79 that included heavy-duty radiator and FE7 suspension. Limited access to ZN1 equipped vehicles revealed that the frame was not prepared for the addition of the trailer hitch and supporting hardware nor was such hardware shipped with the option.
Here's a photo of the 78-79 leaf spring with the space to accommodate the narrower spring width.
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Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Jan 14, 2025 at 10:11 PM.
All we've proven so far is that the car has some components of the FE7 suspension (which anyone can add, even the swaybar holes were put into every C3).
To have had the ZN1 package from the factory, it would be recorded on the dealer invoice.
All we've proven so far is that the car has some components of the FE7 suspension (which anyone can add, even the swaybar holes were put into every C3).
To have had the ZN1 package from the factory, it would be recorded on the dealer invoice.
How 'bout posting some photos!
Good point! Let's see the visual documentation. My Pace CAr had components...but it doesn't make it a factory-installed FE7 suspension!
