Fiberglass vs. Composite Rear Spring

[Jeff Gunn]

Re: Fiberglass vs. Steel Spring - Shocks

According to Vette Brakes, different shock valving is required for the fiberglass rear spring versus a steel spring. This is because the steel spring has multiple leaves, and therefore friction between these leaves as the spring pack flexes, creating damping. The fiberglass composite spring is a monoleaf, so it doesn't have this friction. The springs for the fiberglass spring need a little more damping, since the spring itself doesn't provide as much damping as the steel spring. Composite is just a term for any material made up of multiple materials in a mix, such as fiberglass (glass fibers in an epoxy resin), carbon fiber (carbon fibers in an epoxy resin) or concrete (mortar and sand, stone, etc). Jeff


Jeff's '74 Corvette Restoration Project

[Duke W.]

Re: Fiberglass vs. Steel Spring - Shocks

Agree with your discussion on spring damping characteristics. So does Vette Brakes have a recommended rear shock to go with the composite spring? If not, how could it ever work out properly on a car. The fact that most shock vendors only offer one rear shock for all 63-82 models is a problem with the steel spring, too. Some cars in this group are nearly twenty percent heavier than the early C2s, so more rebound damping is necessary. All this adds up to a compelling reason to have an adjustable shock.

Duke

[Don O'Connell #33101]

Re: Fiberglass vs. Steel Spring - Shocks

Duke,

Mid America carries the KYB shocks designed for the composite spring response rate. That's where I got mine. Also found that Eckler's carries a spring "kit" that includes the heat shields so I'll be returning the Vette Brakes Spring for this "kit".

Don

[Jeff Gunn]

Re: Fiberglass vs. Steel Spring - Shocks

Vette Brakes sells KYB and other shocks that are specifically calibrated for the fiberglass monoleaf springs. I have a pair at home, just waiting for the body to come back from the paint shop and the whole shootin match (springs, shocks, etc.) will be going on the car.


Jeff's '74 Corvette Restoration Project