63 Rear Spring Revisited - again

[Joe S.]

Got the used mid-year spring that I found through the NCRS Driveline at J. T. Pipers. Looks much better than expected. It's in really good shape. Now the question is whether or not it will be acceptable to some judges. Others have late 63's that use this spring, a two-stage spring with no liners between springs 6 & 7 and 7,8,9 are straight across, as opposed to the Single Stage spring which has all 9 leafs curved with liners between all. It also has the correct 45 Degree angles on the main spring and tapered rolled tips on leafs 2 -9. (Hopefully I got the details correct from Gary B's previous Restorer Articles). I've talked to owners of late 63's who swear theirs came with this spring.

Either way this spring will look much better than the repro that was on the car when I got it. This will be blasted, checked over for cracks, and painted with new liners.

Will this cut it?

Thanks,

Joe..




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Clare Carpenter]

Re: 63 Rear Spring Revisited - again

Joe, I'd recommend sending the spring to Detroit Eaton for reconditioning. They will check it for specs, re-arch if necessary, and then shotpeen it as part of the process. It will be a close to new as you can make it. Then you can paint and reassemble it yourself. That's what I did with the springs from my '62 and I am very happy with the results. Mine were in great shape and didn't require the full process and your spring looks like it won't either. Either way you'll have the piece of mind knowing they were done right. Great article in the March issue of Corvette Enthusiast by John Hinckley, on Detroit Eaton and the processes they use, to both make and reconditon vintage springs.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 Rear Spring Revisited - again

Joe-----

This is definitely an authentic, original 1964-74 Corvette 9 leaf spring. I was not aware that this spring was ever used on a 1963, but I suppose that it's possible for late 63s. I don't know if the judging standards make allowance for it, though.

[Joe S.]

Re: 63 Rear Spring Revisited - again

Gary Beaupre is looking at it further. Sent him some more detailed photos. As mentioned, my concern is first safety, and then appearence. If in the end we can get "correct", so be it. I'll let you know the outcome.

Thanks,

Joe..