C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

[James W.]

The ride height of my '64 convertible is showing sign of sagging. I'm looking into either having my original std. 9-leaf rear spring(s) re-arched or just replacing the assembly with a new one from CC, Zip or Paragon. My questions are; 1.) Has anyone had their original spring re-ached/restored? If so, who would you reccommend to do the work and what is a ball park price? 2.) Has any one had good or bad experiences going with a current replacement part? The car will not be flighr judged again, but I'd like it to still look correct, i.e. the gray finish, etc.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

James West
Omaha, NE.
NCRS #18379
1964 Corvette convertible #9258

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

i've had about a dozen sets of c-1 and a dozen or so c-2 rear springs re-arched for vettes destined for judging. shop here in town closed about a year ago but to rearch a midyear spring, it used to cost about 25.oo.The downside of rearching(cold method) is that the spring will re-sag quicker than it did before re-artching. If you vet is a driver, go with aftermarket NEW spring assembly.mike

[James W.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

Mike,

On a "normal" mid-year rear spring, should the be a slight arch from the center (high point of the arch) out to the trailing arms (low point of the arch) or should id be more or less level with the normal static weight of the car? My spring is level from end to end.

Thanks,

James West

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

they were arched before the sagging process got to the point it is now(horizontal).driving a midyear with a horizontal (sagged) rear spring will eventually cause the differential output flanges to eat away at the case of the 3rd member.mike

[James W.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

Causing the failure of what? Side yoke bearings, ring gear & pinion?????

Thanks,

James West

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

The number one cause of lost rear ride height is compressed spring link cushions. The set of four costs about ten bucks and takes an hour to change.

Before you condemn/remove/modify the spring, replace the spring link cushions.

Duke

[James W.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

Duke,

Any change in ride confort by going to a polyurathane bushing which should be less likely to compress like the rubber ones?

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

Duke: agree cushion failure is #1 cause of low sitting c-2 and 3's BUT their distortion with time wouldn't directly cause the rear spring to assume a horizontal position.Been my impression that horizontal springs have worn and re-arching is one temporary fix. regards and thanks for the tire answers the other day. Ole Farm Use now has 4 Kumho V700's for booties and is itching to go after the kraut-mobiles.mike

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

Stick with the rubber cushions. In fact, new one will considerably REDUCE ride harshness. Old compressed cushions cause high rear suspension ride harshness.

I consider them a normal maintenance item. They should be replaced ever 5 to 8 years.

Duke

[James W.]

Re: C2 Rear Spring Rebuild/Replacement

Duke,

Periodic replacement makes sense. I rebuilt the rear differential, rear suspension and religned my origanal spring about 12 years ago. Guess it's time to replace the cushions and have the car re-aligned again.

Thanks to both you and Mike for the feedback.

Also excellent info in the tire articles in the Restorer. I'm planning a tire upgrade next spring and your articles answered some questions I had.

Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.