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I recently bought a FHB spring off of a fellow forum member. I also got a FHA in the deal. The FHB spring had the rubber pads on the end of the spring, where they meet the control arm, cut off. Are there replacements available from somewhere? My internet searches aren't turning anything up. If none are available, I will most likely try cutting the pads off of the FHA and putting them on the FHB.
The reason I need the pads are I autocross with NCCC in the 1SE class (stock class on street tires). The rules state I cannot cut or remove the pads to lower the car. I can run any spring and sway bar that were offered on any car in my class, so any 84-91 non-zr1/B2K. I am upgrading my 91 to the 88-89 Z51 suspension package. I already have the Z51 bilstien shocks and larger front sway bar on the car. I have the NYU rear spring and finally found a FHB front spring that will get installed this spring.
I doubt there is a place to buy replacement pads, since they were sold as a unit with the spring (glued in place). I wonder if there is a reasonable substitute intended for a whole different purpose that would work and retain stock height - not within the letter of the rules but certainly within the spirit. I'm thinking about something like conveyor belt material or some kind of really thick rubber gasket or flange that is big enough to be cut to size. I guess the fallback is to cut the other pads off or search a salvage yard for a junked C4 that can donate its pads.
I do know that VBP (before they went out of business) advised me to use 3M Window Weld to bond spring perch pads to my rear leaf springs. I did, and that worked well. So I'd recommend using that as a glue.
I agree you're not going to find them listed for sale on anybody's website. I'd call Van Steel, Hyperco, or whoever else is making front springs these days and see if they could sell a pair from their production line.
Just a suggestion, Buy a 2" diameter stick of black delrin material on ebay, they sell it by the foot, cut off a 3/4" thick piece and glue it to the lower control arm on each side using a two part epoxy (like JB Weld) of course though cleaning and roughing up the surfaces, then the spring end will ride on the delrin at stock height. A dab of synthetic waterproof grease between delrin and spring will keep it riding smooth.This will put the spring at stock height.
This has worked well for me. When you epoxy it, you need to clamp it, and shape the squeezed out epoxy around the base like a wedge to hold it in place.
Just a suggestion, Buy a 2" diameter stick of black delrin material on ebay, they sell it by the foot, cut off a 3/4" thick piece and glue it to the lower control arm on each side using a two part epoxy (like JB Weld) of course though cleaning and roughing up the surfaces, then the spring end will ride on the delrin at stock height. A dab of synthetic waterproof grease between delrin and spring will keep it riding smooth.This will put the spring at stock height.
This has worked well for me. When you epoxy it, you need to clamp it, and shape the squeezed out epoxy around the base like a wedge to hold it in place.
The problem is, nobody is making front springs for the C4 anymore. VBP is out of business, and Hyperco stopped making them. That is why I went searching for a used spring. I was just hoping somebody had some pads for sale. I guess i will try cutting them off of the other spring and gluing them to the Z51 spring.
Just a suggestion, Buy a 2" diameter stick of black delrin material on ebay, they sell it by the foot, cut off a 3/4" thick piece and glue it to the lower control arm on each side using a two part epoxy (like JB Weld) of course though cleaning and roughing up the surfaces, then the spring end will ride on the delrin at stock height. A dab of synthetic waterproof grease between delrin and spring will keep it riding smooth.This will put the spring at stock height.
This has worked well for me. When you epoxy it, you need to clamp it, and shape the squeezed out epoxy around the base like a wedge to hold it in place.
I think that works on your newer springs. I am not sure when but sometime around 93, they changed the ends of the springs. The newer springs have a smaller square pad on them. The older pads cover the entire end of the spring. I would need a much larger piece than the 2" bar you posted. More like a 3" or 4" piece and then cut down to the correct shape. I will keep it in mind though if i can't get the pads off of the other spring.
The problem is, nobody is making front springs for the C4 anymore. VBP is out of business, and Hyperco stopped making them. That is why I went searching for a used spring. I was just hoping somebody had some pads for sale. I guess i will try cutting them off of the other spring and gluing them to the Z51 spring.
I thought you were looking for the used Z51 spring to stay 1SE legal
I'd at least give VanSteel or Hyperco a call, they may not be manufacturing anymore but they may still have parts lying around. Worth a shot, and nothing to lose!
VBP tips were hard rubber trim to fit. Pressure from spring will help keep it in place.. Try Amazon for hard rubber furniture feet, several possibilities.
Well, I finally got around to getting the old pads off of the FHA spring. Took quite a bit of work. I actually cut the end of the spring off to make it easier to put into my bench vice (didn't care about the FHA spring since they are available all over the place). I then used bosch oscillator tool to cut the pad from the fiberglass while pulling the rubber pad outwards.
Here is me gluing the pad back on with the 3M Windo-Weld mentioned above:
Hopefully be able to put this thing on the car on Sunday. Have an event on June 6-7 at Grissom to get it ready for.
Front Spring Pads
