C1 Frt Coil Springs - To Use or Not To Use?

[Eric Eade]

That's my question. I have the original coil springs for my 62. They both look good with a little pitting from rust and cleaned up easily with the bead blaster. But being 40+ years old, should I use them when I re-assemble the front end or not. They actually only have 14 years of service on them since the engine was pulled in 76 and sat with an empty chassis until I started my frame off. They have been out of the car since 04. They both measure the same length. I'm throwing the question out to you guys with the voice of experience. Would you reuse them or replace? Thanks, Eric #31337
PS - keep the posts coming Roy - I appreciate them too!

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Springs - To Use or Not To Use?

Eric--
I'd reuse them--haven't seen repro springs that give the proper height and then the car looks improperly stanced. I've had zero solid axles that needed front springs--and every one of my 35+ needed rear springs.

[Michael L.]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Springs - To Use or Not To Use?

Eric, if they give the car the proper ride height when in the completed car, I'd use them.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Springs - To Use or Not To Use?

Your getting good advice , use your old ones , the repro's suck because they copy and sell the option accessory high performance front coils that Rise the front area about 3inc.To tell one from the other the hi-po are a thicker coil, same with the C2's.

[Eric Eade]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Springs - To Use or Not To Use?

Thanks guys, I like easy answers! I love this board! Eric

[Dennis C.]

In spite of Roy's response...

I bought a '62 that some well meaning "street rodder" felt the need to cut one full coil out of the original front springs - I assume to achieve a "raked" look... I ordered a set of front springs about 2 years ago from C/C, installed them, and the car looks, levels and drives factory stock with them installed. Sorry, no complaints here...

[Michael L.]

Re: In spite of Roy's response...

Dennis, glad to hear CC springs ride right, I had to get some for my '55, the first set I got from another vendor must have been heavy duty models, front rode like a rock. When I took my front end apart to rebuild, I got the standard CC springs hoping they would ride better and have the correct height.

[Roy B.]

Re: In spite of Roy's response...

Things may have changed but years ago they were not correct , nice to know C&C now has the correct ones. Thanks Dennis!

[Eric Eade]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Springs

Before and after I took the body off, the chassis sat true. And when I took the front end apart I found the inspection marks on both springs so I'm 99% sure they are the originals. I'll use them and see how they work. Thanks for all the good comments! Eric

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Springs

53 54 & 55 I think (it's been a long time)has the part number CASTED in the spring at the top area?? others I dont know off hand?

[Eric Eade]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Spring numbers

Roy, On the end of the spring that has the flat surface, the number 3756540--E is cast on both the inside and outside of the last turn. Both springs are like this. Eric

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 Frt Coil Spring numbers "eric"

Then you have the real deal, you see many people ask about the thickness and how long they are on originals because of some repro's sit the vett to high, it's the thickness of the some repro's that cause it.And I see in your profile you feel the way I do. GREAT==

(Restoration in progress and I am trying to use as many era correct parts as possible vs new replacement pieces. I may take a hit on condition but will be dead-on for original parts.)