Does my '68 BB have F-41 HD suspension?

[Michael Hampson]

My 68 big block has a rear leaf spring with, I'm pretty sure, 7 leafs in it. (It must have a plate or something on the top, because in the limited light, I count eight, with the top one feeling thicker than the others) The leaves taper to a point at the ends. There are no plastic pieces between each leaf. There are band clamps on the bottom three leaves about 6" from the ends. I'm pretty sure there were no band clamps on original springs.

The reason I raise the question in the title, is that I also have a box with an Eckler's tag on it - "A7091 63-75 HD Rear Spring".... In the box is a 9-leaf spring with no band clamps, the leaf ends 'curl up' at the ends, and black plastic pieces are between the leaves. There are no stampings, etc. that I can see. This box came with the car. When I got the car, the restoration had been started and the suspension and engine was the only thing restored before the previous owner lost interest. So what's in the box... the original spring or the repop?

Are there any other ways to determine if the spring on the car is correct (if you can't determine from the info thus far)? Are there any other items that would show that this car was/wasn't a HD suspension car?

Thanks, Michael

[Joe L.]

Re: Does my '68 BB have F-41 HD suspension?

Michael------

First off, the F-41 suspension was only available with L-71s and mandatory with L-88s. So, if you don't have one of those, the whole issue is moot.

In any event, the spring that is on your car does not sound like an original spring to me. For one thing, original springs used on 68 Corvettes did not have spring bands and the leaves did not taper to a point on the ends. Also, original springs all had polypropylene plastic, black sping liners. So, it sounds like the spring that you have in the box is the original spring. If it appears to be used, that's a pretty good indication, also, that it came off of the car. If so, and it is a 9 leaf spring, then that would also confirm that your car was not originally fitted with F-41 suspension.

[Michael Hampson]

Re: Does my '68 BB have F-41 HD suspension?

Joe,

Thanks for your help--- I presume that the 7-leaf spring from Ecklers is what's on my car, although the one in the box, the 9-leaf, is in almost perfect condition (no rust, pitting, etc.), except that it's painted black. I guess that's good news!

F41 HD Suspension is a possibility for my car, as it is an L-71, but all things point to the contrary for this one...

I was thinking of posting the spring on eBay, but since it looks like the correct one for my car, I'm going to keep it for a possible installation if I ever get my car judged.

Thanks again, Michael