Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

[Eric A.]

Need help on stalling the rebound straps. I can not figure out how to install the rebound straps. I have the body off the newly restored frame however I can not push the frame down hard enough to allow for the strap installation. I have had two people pushing down on the rear axle springs but still can not get enough space. In all the photos I can find they are handling loose and don't see to be an issue with installation. I just can not see the fiberglass body weighing enough to push the springs down enough, Any advice or questions.

Thanks,
Eric

[Keith R.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Eric, the rebound straps can be a bear to install but basically, you need to first flatten the springs. With the weight of the body off the frame, they won't compress unless you rig something up to do this. There was a Restorer article by Joe Calcagno describing how to do this. He created a device involving box tubing, chains and bolts and used a bottle jack to flatten the springs. I used the same tool that he devised and it worked like a champ for me recently. Tip: install the axle U-bolts at the same time that you install and rivet the straps because the springs need to be flattened in order to install those as well. Donald Harris also posted another method to this forum whereby he places a two by four across the frame kickups and then uses ratchet straps to draw the axle upwards releasing the pressure on the straps allowing them to be riveted. Riveting is a whole other challenge. Corvette Central had a rebound strap rivet tool that worked great for me. Part # 581172. When installing the rivets, remember that all rivet heads face the front of the car.

[Richard M.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

I've use the heavy duty ratchet straps to pull the axle up to the frame crossmember. This gives you the distance to install the straps. PITA though.

However........releasing the straps can get a little dangerous, so use caution. By design, the strap will snap pretty loud and release with lots of force. It will also be a good test of how well the straps are fastened when it "rebounds" after the ratchet strap lets go.

Rich

P5030043.jpg

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Volume 13 #2, Fall 1986

[Gary C.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Eric,

Make sure you have the correct length rebound straps for your year model.

There were multiple lengths used on C1's. Do a search of the Forum for rebound strap posts.

1958 P&A lists part # 370614 27.25 inches long
1961 P&A lists part # 374449 29.5 inches long - this part number was the service replacement part number for all C1's even though they were too long

Searched the forums on "rebound" and found the following information: 1953 - 1958 strap length should be 27.24 inches, 1959 strap length should be 28.36 inches, 1960 is 29.90 inches. The 1960 strap length is longer because the rear sway bar sits the car a lot higher at the rear than the 1958-1959. The strap was shorten to 29.50 inches in 1961.

Gary
....

[Keith R.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Eric,

Make sure you have the correct length rebound straps for your year model.

There were multiple lengths used on C1's. Do a search of the Forum for rebound strap posts.

1958 P&A lists part # 370614 27.25 inches long
1961 P&A lists part # 374449 29.5 inches long - this part number was the service replacement part number for all C1's even though they were too long

Searched the forums on "rebound" and found the following information: 1953 - 1958 strap length should be 27.24 inches, 1959 strap length should be 28.36 inches, 1960 is 29.90 inches. The 1960 strap length is longer because the rear sway bar sits the car a lot higher at the rear than the 1958-1959. The strap was shorten to 29.50 inches in 1961.

Gary
....

The ones I received from CC for my 1960 were the exact correct length. Let me know if you need me to scan and post the Joe Calgango article

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Let me know if you need me to scan and post the Joe Calgango article

See post #4 above

[Keith R.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

The article I was referring to is entitled "1953-62 Corvette Leaf Spring Installation. Volume 13 #4. I can't seem to extract the article from The Restorer otherwise I would post it here.

[Eric A.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

VINNIE,

was joe's article just one page. I read what you she yearly but only got one page. Driveline only goes back so far so if you have the full article this would help a great deal. Thank you so much,

Eric

[Vinnie P.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Here's the other article Keith refers to...first article was just one page...

leaf springs.pdf

[Chris S.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

I have used the ratchet strap method twice - works very well.....
I pulled it down just enough to install the straps

[Donald H.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Here's a picture of my ratchet strap set up when I installed the rebound straps on my 1960 restoration. Worked great, and yes I was concerned when I released the ratchet straps and whether the rebound straps would hold, but no worries, they did fine.

Don

Frame related (31).jpg

[James F.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

Keith - I was researching rebound strap installation info. On my '61 frame with original rebound straps attached, the rivet heads face to the rear.

[Keith R.]

Re: Rebound Straps - c1 axle help

That is correct. And, to rephrase it more clearly - the rivets should be inserted from the rear to the front.