66 Coil Springs

[Mark J.]

I have disassembled my car and sent the frame out for repair. In the meantime, I am ordering my restoration parts.

Barring a way to measure my coil springs, I assume I should replace them (327/300/No A/C). Stock replacement coil springs range from about $69 in the parts stores and up in price.

What should I be weary of when purchasing the replacements?

Mark R. Johnson

[Tracy C.]

Re: 66 Coil Springs

Mark,

Unless your springs were damaged or broken, there really isn't a justifiable reason to replace the front coils. I'm sure you are thinking, well I've got them out, I might as well replace them....

Save your money for the shiny stuff.

tc

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Coil Springs

Mark-----

Well, I certainly hope that you aren't WEARY, at all, but you may well be so by the time you're through with the restoration. Now, being WARY----that's another thing.

Anyway, your coil springs were originally of GM #3851100 and they had a free length of 15-13/32". Measure yours; if they're close to this dimension, I would definitely leave them alone and re-use them.

If the springs more than 1" less than the above dimension OR if they have any serious corrosion (i.e. ANY PITTING due to corrosion), then you should replace them. Let us all know what you find the free length to be.

[Mark J.]

Re: 66 Coil Springs

Joe,

The springs measure 16-3/4" from tip to tip and about 16" from the bottom row to the outside of the top row. Both have remnants of the green tag with 3851100 in small font below the large letters ("something D"). Both are scaley, which is what prompted me to consider replacement.

Wary

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Coil Springs

Mark-----

I've heard before of these springs measuring slightly longer than the "official" length. I think that this likley has to do with some "ambiguity" relative to the convention used regarding measurement of free length. In any event, I think that your springs are fine from a free-length perspective.

As far as the "scaliness" goes, if this is associated with obvious and significant corrosion, then you probably need to replace the springs. However, it may be that this condition has been with the springs since new. It all depends upon whether or not there is signifcant corrosion associated with it.

[Mark J.]

Re: 66 Coil Springs

Joe,

Since the car seemed to set level and at the right height before I intervened, my inclination is to clean the springs and reuse them. The coil diameter does not appear to be reduced by the scaliness. If a problem appears later, I'll replace them. Thanks to you and Chris for your input.

Mark