C2 (1965 FI Roadster)

[Hank P.]

I own what I consider to be an almost all original 65 Fuel Injected roadster. As least I have documented all the numbers and they match to the vin #s. and NCRS specs.
I am in the middle of restoring the front end. In the process of doing this I discovered that I have the F40 suspension. The problem I have is that the front springs I removed in the work look to be powder coated Red. Everything I read up on indicates that the springs should be black in color. My question is what color were the f40 springs for the 65? and are there any distinquesing markings that can indicate what I have? The springs have no paper tags on them and no visable markings except a stamp mark at the end of the tight coil end. Also, when reinstalling them should the springs be installed with the tight wind side up?
Thank you.

Hank Perera
hankp@pererainc.com

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 (1965 FI Roadster)

Hank-----

I think that I can safely tell you that no original F-40 springs were ever powder coated or otherwise painted red. The springs were either natural steel, painted black, or painted a VERY dark green, which almost appears to be black.

When progressive rate coil springs are used on a Corvette, the closer spaced coils go upward. However, I don't recall that the F-40/F-41 front coil springs, GM #3832518, were progressive rate springs. So, if your springs are progressive rate, that might be another "clue" that these are not F-40 springs.

The F-40/F-41 springs were 12" long in free length and of 7 coils. The wire diameter was 11/16".

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 (1965 FI Roadster)

The 64-65 F-40 suspension for SBs, used the same springs, shocks, and front anti-roll bar as the '63 Z06 package.

The front coils are linear springs with a rate of 550 lb/in, so they have equally spaced coils. The seven leaf rear spring with equal arching on all leaves also has a linear rate, 305 lb/in.

F-40 also carried a 15/16" front anti-roll bar as opposed to the 3/4" bar on the SB base suspension. Neither the SB base suspension not the F-40 SB HD suspension carried a rear anti-roll bar.

Duke