Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

[Gerald C.]

To all,

I have a couple of questions for the Forum:

1. Can anyone give me the length of each of the 9 leafs in a 63 rear spring?
2. I have attached a couple of pictures of the spring I have now and wanted to verify if the edges of each leaf have enough curl to be identified as a 63.

Your help is appreciated.

Jerry

[Edward J.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Jerry, I don't have the spring lengths, but here are a few identifier's, all 63 leaf springs (9 leafs total), have the same compound curve, except the main, the upper 8 springs have a taper on the edges and curl up slightly, the main leaf will have the edges of spring chopped off. there is no spring liner between 7 and 8 springs.if you would like the liner lengths I can email them to you later.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Ed,

Yes the liner lengths will be helpful. Did you take a look at my pictures and are those curves at the end of 1-8 correct?

[Richard G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Looks to have some extra bend at the ends, possibly overloaded during it's life?
How a bout a picture of the ends from the top or bottom of the spring?
Ed said the main leaf will have the edges of spring chopped off."

The picture below shows what the ends look like.

[Richard G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

In 1964 both the front and rear springs were changed to a progressive style.
On the front progressive spring it is identified by the smaller diameter of the first couple of coils.
On the rear the change is the top (shortest three) leafs are straight and not bent like the rest of the leafs.
This softens the small bumps in the road and still allows for good handling characteristics.
The basic reason the 63 Corvettes ride like log trucks!
Rick

[Gerald C.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Here are a few more pictures of my rear spring. From what I can determine, it should be correct for a 63. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Richard G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

What I see looks good. 9 leaves with the ends turned up.
I can't remember off hand but the top two or three of leaves do not have the liners installed from the factory.
No picture of the end of the springs. If it has the edges cut at a 45 deg angle it is likely the correct spring.

[Richard G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Spring with correct amount of liners.



What I used to clean up the springs.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Richard,

Thanks for the feedback. The ends are cut at the 45 degree angle

Jerry

[Patrick H.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

I would suggest that this is far more glossy than the usual rear spring.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

The JM states that the spring should be painted a "flat light gray". Did anyone come up with the color code and brand to match this description?

Thanks

[Richard G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

I believe most people purchase a spray can the vendors list as the correct color.
I used an industrial equipment paint. Sorry I don't have any codes for the paint.
Just something I had laying around. I do have a full unused can of spring paint.

[Irby G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Hi all...has anyone determined the correct rattle can paint that they used for the springs?
Thanks

[Ed S.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Quanta markets a spring restoration kit that includes spray cans of a satin finish grey that a lot of people say is pretty close to the original color of grey. Also a lot of people say that no vendor sells a spray can of grey that is an exact match. Quanta also carries liners and a center bolt but like all the bolts available the head is too big (tall) --- it must be ground down, if you do not and try to torque the spring down you will land up with a cracked differential case.

Also.... I spoke to Eaton tech reps regarding painting - I purchased a new main leaf from them for my 64. They said that the area between the leafs should not be painted or coated with anything - spray the edges just enough to cover exposed metal but do not spray the area that the liners press against - Eaton says the paint will interfere with the proper functioning of the liner against the spring leafs and could (likely) result in a cracked leaf. That is the advice they gave me.

[Irby G.]

Re: Rear Spring - 1963 Identification

Excellent. Thanks Ed...