Leaf spring identification

[Joe L.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

Where can I find them?

Thomas-----

Unfortunately, most are essentially unavailable except for a few that have "leaked out". Some of the latter can be found in Noland Adams" restoration books.

[Thomas B.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

I believe the 63 has only one set of body mount cushions and the rest just have like a thin pad separating the body from the frame. I experience quite a bit of harshness and cowl shake with my 63 convertible over bumps especially with what I believe to be a pretty stiff rear spring. The car significantly tightens up when I put the hardtop on though.

[Gary B.]

[Duke W.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

Once the '63 models were in production, the engineers went to work to reduce NVH. The rubber isolated body mounts and variable rate springs were two of the major changes for '64 and many more small changes though the '67 model year. That's why the '67 model year are the most refined, but it can be argued that the '63 models have the potential for better handling because the solidly mounted body means the frame and body "birdcage" combine for form a three dimensional space frame making it significantly stiffer than rubber isolated body mounting. Of course, the above pertains primarily to coupes. Virtually all convertibles lack both bending and torsional stiffness compared to their fully enclosed versions.

About 30 years ago there was a lot of talk about chassis stiffness, which can be characterized by the first order torsional or bending mode frequency and 25 Hz was considered an objective. I recall that the Olds Aurora was the first to achieve 25 Hz and I believe that the C5 also achieved this goal, even the convertible.

The above was a change from prior decades. I recall reading that Duntov tried stiffening up the C2 but found the ride "too harsh". The current philosophy is to make the structure as rigid as possible, at least above axle hop and tramp modes.

I'm sure most understand axle hope If you don't understand tramp, watch "Bullit". When McQueen backs up the Mustang during the chase you'll see a absolutely stunning example of axle tramp.

Duke

[Thomas B.]

https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com...3/1963-SAE.pdf

[Gary B.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

If there is an error in the AMA specs, which I believe three is, then that will indeed get repeated. I have seen the engineering drawing and it says 192.

Gary

[Thomas B.]

[Gary B.]

[Thomas B.]

[Gary B.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

. And the HD 1980-1982 spring had metallic liners, not plastic.

Gary

Gary------

Yes, and as you know, these liners were zinc and are very difficult to locate in NOS form. I do not know if they are available in reproduction, or not.

[Thomas B.]

[Joseph W.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

Curious if 1963 had a 7 leaf spring version?
I purchased a 1963 7 leaf spring from Ed Wittwer awhile back yet when I go to my NCRS reference guide I don't see anything referencing the F40 or F41 option.
Did 1963 Corvettes come with a 7 leaf spring from the factory?

[Harry S.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

Curious if 1963 had a 7 leaf spring version?
I purchased a 1963 7 leaf spring from Ed Wittwer awhile back yet when I go to my NCRS reference guide I don't see anything referencing the F40 or F41 option.
Did 1963 Corvettes come with a 7 leaf spring from the factory?

Yes, but as I recall it was part of the Z06 RPO.

[Joe L.]

Re: Leaf spring identification

Curious if 1963 had a 7 leaf spring version?
I purchased a 1963 7 leaf spring from Ed Wittwer awhile back yet when I go to my NCRS reference guide I don't see anything referencing the F40 or F41 option.
Did 1963 Corvettes come with a 7 leaf spring from the factory?

Joseph-----


Yes, I believe 1963 did come equipped with a 7 leaf spring but only those optioned with Z-06. If so, there were not too many equipped with the 7 leaf spring.