C1 Attitude/Altitude Problem

[Allen W.]

My new to me 56 C1 has a suspension altitude problem. Refering to the AIM my rear B dimension is about 7 inches where it is supposed to be 3.8 inches at curb weight. My front A dimension is 7.5 inches where it is supposed to be 9.15 inches. The body appears to be mounted on the frame correctly. The front suspension is stiff and I suspect the car has not been driven much up to my recent purchase. I am concerned about the rear for appearances and the front for driveability. I had my wife check my Restorer CD. Not much there unless she missed it. Do I use an old fashion lowering kit for the rear? Each rear spring has 6 leaves without any unusual bowing or so it appears. If this has been covered recently please point be to the approx place in the archive.
Allen #34834

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 Attitude/Altitude Problem

Allen------

All original 1956 Corvettes used rear leaf springs with 4 leaves. If yours currently has 6 leaf springs installed, they must be some sort of aftermarket or retro-fit spring and may be the cause of your problem.

[Larry E. Howard]

Re: C1 Attitude/Altitude Problem

Allen,
Joe hit it right on the head. I removed the 4 leaf original springs from my 57 and installed 5 leaf to gain some height to run larger tires on the rear. Didn't even know they made a 6 leaf??

[Allen W.]

Re: C1 Attitude/Altitude Problem

Where can I get proper spring dimensions (arch and other dimensions)? Does anyone know a source for correct springs? Any comment on the front? Thanks for all comments.
Allen

[Ed Jennings]

Re: C1 Attitude/Altitude Problem

Replacement springs are available from any of the catalog vendors, ie. Corvette Central, Zip, Paragon, Ecklers, etc. Probably all come from the same source. They do not have grooves as the originals, so they are incorrect for judging.

[Dave Suesz]

Couple 'a sources for springs...

Mary Jo probably has some original grooved springs, and Dale usually had some sets around. Dunno if his are still available, though. If the car is pretty original I'd try to find a correct original pair, they're pretty noticable. If the car has no hope of originality, get the replacements.

[Allen W.]

Re: Couple 'a sources for springs...

I'm sorry I don't know Mary Jo. What is her last name? How do I contact her? Is the Dale you refer to Dale Pearman? By the way thanks for the responses.
Allen

[Richard E.]

Re: Couple 'a sources for springs...

Allen - Mary Jo Rohner in CA (619) 451-1933. Another source for original grooved springs is Grossmuellers (see Driveline). Usually available in existing or restored conditions.

New 4-leaf replacement springs can be had from Eaton Detroit (No relation, darn it)for $300, albeit incorrect for judging.

All above have websites.

For spring dimensions, check an archive by Pearman on 8 November 2001. All there in detail.

Luck to you..Dick

[Karl #35089]

Re: Couple 'a sources for springs...

Hi Allen:
Mary Jo Rohner is at www.vettegal.com and will probably have what you need.

If not, Grossmueller's is another possible source for original springs at www.gccorvettes.com

-Karl