1970 BB, No A/C Front Springs/Shocks

[Tony H.]

Are front coil springs for my 1970 big block with no A/C, no F-41 still available from GM? In a few threads from the archives I read that 1965 front springs #3851100 are still available? Were these correct for my car? Will these 1965 springs give the proper ride height on my car? If the correct springs are discontinued, where can I get a correct set? How many coils made up each spring?

Regarding the shocks for the same car, where can I get original looking shocks? Were original 1970 production shocks painted entirely shock absorber gray (including the rubber grommets)?

What labels are correct for each of the springs and shocks? What is the correct location of labels on each? For those who have seen original shocks and spring labels, is there any rhyme and reason to location of labels? Do labels appear in a random slapped on pattern or was there any attempt to put them in a certain part of the shock absorber/spring?

My intentions are to restore the car to original specs as time permits. Your insight is much appreciated. Hope to see you at the shows. I'm on the road and away from my judging manual/guide.

Tony

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 BB, No A/C Front Springs/Shocks

Tony----

The original springs installed on your car were GM #3931825. This part was discontinued about 1974 and replaced with part number 331317. This was later changed to 331318. The latter part number, the last GM service replacement spring for 68-74 Corvettes with 427/454 engines, was discontinued several years ago. Replacements are available from Allen's Stainless Steel Exhaust and Eaton Detroit Spring. How well these springs compare to the originals, I couldn't tell you.

The GM # 3851100 spring was used in mid year cars only. While the basic chassis for mid years and C3s is very similar, I do not believe that this spring will work well in your car. I'd probably take my chances with a reproduction spring before I'd use the 3851100 in a C3 big block.

As far as shocks go, I'd recommend using Delco Reactec shocks, GM #22065208-front and GM # 22065207-rear. These modern technology, gas charged shocks are virtually identical to your original shocks in configuration. Paint them with Quanta's shock absorber gray paint, and they'll be near-perfect in appearance and, certainly, as close as anything you can obtain today. Shock paint was applied to the front lower bushings and rear upper and lower bushings.