Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

[Steve G.]

Looking to buy new 1963 front springs. i dont want "touring" springs (460 lb) or Gymkhana springs (550 lb), I want the stock soft 293 ones. Nobody lists them. Some retailers (Paragon, CC, Long Island) list "stock" or "STD" springs at double the 460/550 price, but will not clarify what the rate is.Why is this so hard? Where are people buying stock rate springs?

[Joe R.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Steve,

The 1963 Standard Spring was a one year only spring. It changed in 1964. Nobody is going to make a one year only front spring for a 1963 automobile. You will be best served by finding a good used set. The retailers want to sell you what they have and not what you want.

JR

[Steve G.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Hi JoeThanks for your response, fair enough. However, Im more interested in proper ride height and soft ride rather than an absolutely correct '63 spring. That being the case, do you know who sells the closest thing to a replacement for the 293 lb spring as opposed to a 460 Tourning or a 55 Gymkhana even if its "correct" for 64-67?

[Timothy B.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Steve,

To answer your question I would say LI Corvette. That's where I bought mine and they are the same wire diameter as the originals and one turn longer. So instead of seven coils there are eight if I got that right, the ride height rose about 1/2" from where it was before so it's the same IMO.

Don't take my word for it, call and talk to them first before buying. Do you still have the original springs for the car, how much rust etc.?

[Steve G.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Call and talk to people from Long Island Corvette? Uh, I'd rather not thanks. I'd order there but a conversation never seems to be a good idea.The springs on the car have rubber spacers on them propping them up. They look like they need to be replaced no matter what. Im not sure if they are original.Are the springs you bought from LI approximately the same (soft) ride? I'm concerned that the 460 Touring that everyone is selling as a replacement is too harsh. I just hate a harsh ride.

[Harry S.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Call the folks at Eaton.....

http://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

[Steve G.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Emailed them Harry, thanks.The choices appear to be: Long Island, 15" (stock), 293 lbs (I think), $170orThe 460 lb a bunch of people sell, 13" (slightly lower) but stiffer than stock, $80.

[Steve G.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

My answer from Eaton:Steve, Sorry, at that is available with us, as with all vendors that I know of is the Heavy duty. I do not know where or if the standard springs are available.Zero help from any retailers on thsi.

[Michael H.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

My answer from Eaton:Steve, Sorry, at that is available with us, as with all vendors that I know of is the Heavy duty. I do not know where or if the standard springs are available.Zero help from any retailers on thsi.

Steve

It probably won't help but mention to Eaton that the original print for the base 63 spring is available. (I think I have the huge 2'X3' print) All of the specs and dimensions are shown.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Steve

It probably won't help but mention to Eaton that the original print for the base 63 spring is available. (I think I have the huge 2'X3' print) All of the specs and dimensions are shown.

Michael-----

Once-upon-a-time a fellow from Eaton told me that they had the blueprints for every Corvette spring through their GM Restoration Parts license. Of course, that does not mean that they will actually manufacture all of them.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trying to buy new stock front springs, 1963

Emailed them Harry, thanks.The choices appear to be: Long Island, 15" (stock), 293 lbs (I think), $170orThe 460 lb a bunch of people sell, 13" (slightly lower) but stiffer than stock, $80.

Steve-----


I think the 64-67 small block spring, GM #3851100, will work just fine for a 1963 application. However, it's long-since GM discontinued. There's a chance you could find an NOS set, though.