C2 Rear Spring Question

[Ralph E.]

I was just looking at a 1963 on EBay. The rear spring has a strap of some type holding the springs leafs together. Is this normal for all mid years or only for 1963. I would post picture but I don't know how.
Here is the web site Check picture 1010188.jpg
I checked Noland Adams Book and I don't see the strap.

[Ralph E.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Question

Additional Info: Noland Adams Page 241 shows a 1963 photo of a 1964 if you look close the on the left, the spring I think has a strap.
Could this be only for installation?

[Gary B.]

C2 Rear Spring Answer

Ralph,

To the best of my knowledge no Corvette rear spring from 1963 to 1979 used bands to hold the spring together. These bands were used on some repro springs, which I think is what the spring in the photo is. Another hint that is it a non-original spring is the end treatment on leaves 2 and 3, which do not look like the correct taper rolled ends for an original spring.

Finally, the retainer cup that inserts into the end of the main leaf is not correct. The retainer in the photo has the tall peripheral lip with the steep lip angle that indicates the retainer cup is the type used from 1968 onward. These latter retainers are still available from GM and are fully functional, but incorrect for 63-67.

Gary

[Ralph E.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Answer

Thanks for the info. What would happen if the band was removed?

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Answer

Ralph-----

There would likely be no problem generated if the band was removed. However, this spring does not have the factory-type spring liners with raised edges. The raised edges were designed to prevent any dislocation of the leaf stack and, in conjunction with the spring plate mounting bolts, they do this very effectively. Without the factory-type liners, the only thing maintaining the spring leaves from dislocation is the spring plate bolts. This is usually enough, but it may not be. With factory-type liners, there is no need for the end bands and they can be removed. Without them, I would have to recommend that the end bands be left installed.

[Gary B.]

C2 Rear Spring Answer

Ralph,

If the spring has the correct H-channel plastic liners and they are in good condition, these will help with alignment and there should be no problem removing the bands so long as the spring is properly installed otherwise. Note, however, that some repro springs do not use the H-channel
liners and if this is the case the leaves can squirm and get out of alignment without the bands. GM still sells the correct plastic liners under GM #3794113. They list for a pricey $13 each.

Gary

[Ralph E.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Answer

Thanks for all the fee back. This was the first spring with bands I had noticed.
I was actually looking at the half shafts.