65 front springs

[Chris H.]

Who's a good source for "correct" style and appearance front springs? Thanks, CHris

[Robert C.]

Re: 65 front springs

Chris, I wouldn't put NEW front springs on my 65. They always make your car sit up to high in the front. What's wrong with the ones you have? My friend did this one his 71 and after 2 new sets he has gone back to the originals.(2"to high)


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Chris H.]

Re: 65 front springs

Bob, these are the originals and the driver's side spring some of the coils are actually resting on top of one another. I also talked to a guy who "retempered" his originals. What's that? Is it recommended?

I've seen some bb cars that sit rediculously high and obviously I'd want to avoid that condition.

[Robert C.]

Re: 65 front springs

Yes Chris ,I was going to suggest re-tempering the originals. I think you'll be happier. Bob


Texas Chapter NCRS

[Tom]

Re: 65 front springs

For my 65 Coupe, I got my front springs thru Corvettes of Houston, in Houston, Texas. They have been the car for about 900 miles. The car sits almost level. The origional springs sagged so much, they rubbed coil to coil, and, this was very noisy.

[Chris H.]

Re: 65 front springs

Tom, is the car higher in front or back? Mine is a 396 car.

[Tom]

Re: 65 front springs

Chris, My 65 is about an inch higher in the front.

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 front springs

Chris------

This may be your lucky day. The front springs for your 1965 are still available from GM. They are GM #3851100 and this is the original part number so I presume, but cannot guarantee, that they are made to the same specifications. My recollection is that, for 1965, this spring was used for both 327 and 396 applications. These springs carry a current GM list price of $94.35/each.

In fact, the ONLY other C1-C3 front spring still available from GM is the 63-71 F-41 spring, GM #3832518.

In any event, I do not recommend "retempering" of suspension springs, be they coil or leaf type. Besides the fact that such an operation is basically questionable, very few spring servicers have the equipment and expertise to do it properly.

[Jim Yount]

Re: 65 front springs

Chris, I had the same problem with my 65. The previous owner had installed cheap aftermarket springs, and the car sat about an inch too high. I ordered replacements from Long Island, and the front of the car is now exactly sitting at spec. Part of the problem was that the first set was not properly done on the ends, and didn't "seat" into the pockets. I'm running F40 heavy duty suspension, so I can't vouch for the standard set; however the Bloomington suspension instructor who advised me on this, assures me that LIC springs will give the correct ride height.

Hope this helps.

Jim