1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

[Harry Sadlock]

I've determined/believe the front brake drums are the original (correct casting number). They are worn out and will be replaced. One has a spring and one does not. I have seen many springs on front drums, some appear to have each coil to be round all the way round and some appear to have a flat appearance on the side that faces out.

My spring, and I have no idea if it's the original, is round all the way around. Question, what is correct for a 63 drum spring?

Thank You

Harry

[Wayne P.]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

My early 63(44xx) has round springs. Well three anyway. One is missing.

[Franz E.]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

The 1963 model year anti-chatter spring part number 3694290 was released for production on August 8, 1949 (Not a typo) and redrawn on July 14, 1960 and was subsequently a carry over part number thru the 64 model year, plus service requirements. This basic design evolved over the years to include a rectangular section, which was released as an option construction in 1960. For the 63 model year the supplier of record selected rectangular wire for production. There are a number of economic factors which influenced the supplier's decision.

The production rectangular wire spring contained 216 coils with an approximate free length of 30.50" Wire size .140 wide x .056 thick. On April 24, 1964 Chevrolet engineering released revision no. 11 reducing the total number of coils from 216 down to 213 approximate free length 30.00. GM over the counter springs would have been the second design or 213 coils.

The round wire version contained 350 coils, wire diameter .0915" and an approximate free length of 32.75". This design is mentioned in the GM parts books.

I would suggest if your brake drums have round wire there're service replacement springs. In economic terms, if Delco had a surplus inventory of round wire springs they may have found a new home on the 63 platform provided engineering released a "Deviation Notice" to the assembly plant.

[Carl S.]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

My 63 coup build in Feb 63 has springs only on front. Springs are made of flat wire. There is no sign of springs ever being on the rear drums.

[Larry S.]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

Are these spring not like the ones on the full size Chev?

[James W.]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

Harry,

My mid January 1964 built 1964 Corvette has the rectangular springs on the front only. I have a spare pair of GM NOS round springs if you would be interested in them.

Regards,

James West

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

James, yes, I'll send an email.

Harry

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 1963 Front Brake Drum Anti-Chatter Spring

James, I sent a few emails, guess their not making their way through the system. Can you email me at hsadlock@comcast.net

Thanks

Harry

38513