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Re: Spring DeArcing: the big unknown
Patrick----
You're correct. Nowhere in GM's service publications do they speak of de-arching the spring. However, as good of a reference as the GM serice manual is, there are some things that even GM didn't figure out. This is one of them. If you attempt to install the spring retainer plate without de-arching the spring, at a minimum, you will distort the spring retainer plate and gall the heads/shafts of the spring retainer bolts. At worst, you will break the rear cover spring retainer bolt bosses. This is a very common event. Most broken spring covers are broken this way. Very few are ever broken as a result of in-service loading or aggressive driving style as some would have you believe. De-arching the spring is critical to a smooth, painless spring installation.
I learned this "trick" over 20 years ago when I distorted and ruined a spring retainer plate while I was trying to reinstall my spring. I went down to a Corvette parts shop then-located in Cupertino, CA and bought a new plate. The fellow that I bought it from asked my why I needed it and I told him. Then he said "...you are de-arching the spring aren't you?". That's when I learned. No problem after that. Since then, I've had occassion to discuss this with many other Corvette repair "pros". Most of them use the de-arch method.
By the way, regarding the replacement cover. I would not use the GM #464909 replacement cover. I'd find a good used cover or a reproduction cover. Just make sure that you don't get one of the reproductions that go overboard on "heavy duty". Some of these covers, without the "arch" on either side, will not allow the spare tire carrier to fit properly. That's why the original cover was designed the way it was. In an attempt to provide reinforcement which is not necessary in service, these covers sacrifice utility. No need to second-guess GM on this one.
Patrick----
You're correct. Nowhere in GM's service publications do they speak of de-arching the spring. However, as good of a reference as the GM serice manual is, there are some things that even GM didn't figure out. This is one of them. If you attempt to install the spring retainer plate without de-arching the spring, at a minimum, you will distort the spring retainer plate and gall the heads/shafts of the spring retainer bolts. At worst, you will break the rear cover spring retainer bolt bosses. This is a very common event. Most broken spring covers are broken this way. Very few are ever broken as a result of in-service loading or aggressive driving style as some would have you believe. De-arching the spring is critical to a smooth, painless spring installation.
I learned this "trick" over 20 years ago when I distorted and ruined a spring retainer plate while I was trying to reinstall my spring. I went down to a Corvette parts shop then-located in Cupertino, CA and bought a new plate. The fellow that I bought it from asked my why I needed it and I told him. Then he said "...you are de-arching the spring aren't you?". That's when I learned. No problem after that. Since then, I've had occassion to discuss this with many other Corvette repair "pros". Most of them use the de-arch method.
By the way, regarding the replacement cover. I would not use the GM #464909 replacement cover. I'd find a good used cover or a reproduction cover. Just make sure that you don't get one of the reproductions that go overboard on "heavy duty". Some of these covers, without the "arch" on either side, will not allow the spare tire carrier to fit properly. That's why the original cover was designed the way it was. In an attempt to provide reinforcement which is not necessary in service, these covers sacrifice utility. No need to second-guess GM on this one.
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