C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

[jim #42767]

Would you blast and powder coat or buy a new one? Its 40 years old do they wear out?

The car was sitting low, but all the rubber is gone and the ball joints move with my fingertips.

65 327/350

[Roy B.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Keep it looks good, and use it, many repro's sit the vett to high

[Tracy C.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Jim,

This spring looks different than what I've seen. The coil spacing differs from top to bottom on a 65 OEM front spring. The spacing on this spring appears to be constant. There also seems to be more coils than what I remember.

Is this a big block spring by chance?

Regardless, I wouldn't powder coat it if you choose to keep it. I'd think it would crack and flake off with fatique.

tc

[jim #42767]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

No its a small block car and 1 owner car, I have never changed the springs. So its gotta be original.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Jim------

Inspect the spring for any significant corrosion damage. This is the main factor which causes springs to "wear out". From what I can see, it does not appear to have any corrosion damage, though. If so, you've passed the first hurdle.

Next, measure the free length of the spring. It should be 15-13/32" OL. If it's just slightly less than that, I'd still reuse it. I think it will be better than current reproduction springs.

[Dan A.]

[John H.]

Re: spacing of coils

I agree - that doesn't appear to be the #3851100 spring, which was variable-rate with progressive coil spacing; the spring in the photo is a conventional constant-rate spring.

[Tracy C.]

Pic of the 3851100 of which we speak

Dug these out of storage. I think they are NOS and it's been a long time since they've seen daylight.

tc

[Mike M.]

Re: Pic of the 3851100 of which we speak

tc: you sure they're not springs out of Bubba's bed springs? heard Bubba's momma is a big heifer. you going to texas? mike

[Tracy C.]

Re: Pic of the 3851100 of which we speak

Bubba bedsprings are us. I'm gonna need to hurry and get them back in place or it could be a VERY long night.

Yup, as a matter of factly I am going to Texas. I was just reading 'bout that in the Driveline. Looks like a good opportunity to see some great tech sessions. I need to OJ on the 63/4 Chassis team in preparation for my own project. I've got my building up now and hope to dive back into the car. It's been a LONG dry spell.

Will you be gracing us with your presence?

tc

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

I bought Long Island's "exact blueprint" reproduction springs for my '67 big block. They were very expensive, and the car did not sit properly. They sagged to the point where correct camber could only be achieved with almost NO shims on the upper arm shaft. If you HAVE TO use reproduction springs, make sure you get a good referral for a supplier.

[Glenn B.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Oh Great.... My 67-427 is in for "spring" refit (those things I'm not brave enought to do myself). My right front spring had sagged and was propped up with a spacer, so I had a pair of LICS 67-427 springs put in.

Car is not back yet - so I'm not sure my result. Anybody else had good or bad results with the LICS BB front springs??

Glenn

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Glenn,

I contacted Long Island regarding the springs, but they never responded. Hopefully you won't have the same problem I did.

[Glenn B.]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Having experienced the "personalities" at LICS - sadly, I am not suprised. Snce I am now "half pregnant" with my new LICS springs - I hope your experience is the exception and not the rule.

Regards

Glenn

[jim #42767]

Re: C2 Coil spring question do they wear out?

Actually the tag shows its a 3851100