C1 leaf spring tip question

[Keith R.]

Got a leaf spring liner kit from Corvette Central and it has the stainless tip on the third (shortest) liner. Should I remove this tip prior to assembling the spring?

[Troy P.]

Re: C1 leaf spring tip question

All of the unrestored 53-55 cars I've inspected did not have that tip. That includes cars with as little mileage as 2331. I've also been under two 57 survivors and the photos I took show no tip on their short liner either.

But I've heard the theory that for some reason as the spring flexes that tip gets pushed off.

A good question I can't answer would be, "Why would it not have a tip like the others?"

Obviously I did not answer your question. Hopefully the info I have provided eventually leads you to the answer.

[Keith R.]

Re: C1 leaf spring tip question

All of the unrestored 53-55 cars I've inspected did not have that tip. That includes cars with as little mileage as 2331. I've also been under two 57 survivors and the photos I took show no tip on their short liner either.

But I've heard the theory that for some reason as the spring flexes that tip gets pushed off.

A good question I can't answer would be, "Why would it not have a tip like the others?"

Obviously I did not answer your question. Hopefully the info I have provided eventually leads you to the answer.

Thanks for sharing your expertise and insight Troy. The JM says tips on only the two top liners so I will probably go with that.

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 leaf spring tip question

I looked at 4 1960 Bow Tie cars at the National Convention and the short liner did not have a metal tip.

[Keith R.]

Re: C1 leaf spring tip question

Thanks for that Joe. That confirms my thoughts. I will remove the tips from the short liner prior to banding.

[Joe M.]

Re: C1 leaf spring tip question

If the clips are made like the original clips, they will have two rows of tiny teeth that bite into the liner. If present, the teeth will prevent you from pulling them off easily. You may have to use a cut off disk on a dremel tool and cut down the center of the length of the clip, then pull the two sides away from the liner. Good luck.

[Troy P.]

Re: C1 leaf spring tip question

Should be able to just pry them open and they'll slide off.