C2 rear spring cushion retainers

[Donald H.]

My car is a late 66. I ordered what LIC says are the correct thinner retainers. The attached picture show what I guess is the later retainer on the left and the ones I just got from LIC on the right.

I'm pretty sure my springs are GM originals. A number of the springs have the GLS letters on the edge, this includes the main spring. The holes in the ends of the main spring are 1" diameter.

My concern is the part of the cushion retainer that goes through the main spring hole is 15/16" OD on the later version and fits the spring hole much better. The thinner LIC version is 7/8" and is much looser in the hole.

Any need to worry about this? or, does anyone else have the correct early retainers that fit the spring hole better?

Thanks,

Don

DSC_0131.jpgDSC_0135.jpg

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 rear spring cushion retainers

You should also worry about the zinc plating on the retainers!

Don't think originals had that!!!!!

JR

[Donald H.]

Re: C2 rear spring cushion retainers

You should also worry about the zinc plating on the retainers!

Don't think originals had that!!!!!

JR

Your right, I'll have to decide if I want to take a judging hit, or leave and protect the parts from corrosion.

[Mike E.]

Re: C2 rear spring cushion retainers

I made the ones with the small diameter work by using a tool that Gary Beaupre build and was kind enough to rent out. What he charges barely covers the cost of shipping. At one time he was modifying the thicker cups to look like the thin ones from early cars, I'm not sure if he still is or not. I was thinking late '66 took the thicker one, but I could be wrong. Keep in mind too the cups on the trailing arms should match the one on the spring.

There a thread here if you want to read more about it.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?81482-Trailing-arm-spring-bolt-cushion-retainer-cup&highlight=spring+cups

Mike

[Donald H.]

Re: C2 rear spring cushion retainers

I made the ones with the small diameter work by using a tool that Gary Beaupre build and was kind enough to rent out. What he charges barely covers the cost of shipping. At one time he was modifying the thicker cups to look like the thin ones from early cars, I'm not sure if he still is or not. I was thinking late '66 took the thicker one, but I could be wrong. Keep in mind too the cups on the trailing arms should match the one on the spring.

There a thread here if you want to read more about it.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?81482-Trailing-arm-spring-bolt-cushion-retainer-cup&highlight=spring+cups

Mike

I saw your thread earlier and have been in contact with Gary to rent his tool. According to the 66 judging guide, the thinner retainers went into early 67 model year. Did you leave for the plating on your retainers?

Don

[Mike E.]

Re: C2 rear spring cushion retainers

Did you leave for the plating on your retainers?

Don

Yes at this point I left the plating. By the time I'm done with the restoration probably most of the zinc plating will be gone anyway.

Thanks for the clarification on when the cups changed...I wasn't quite sure.

Mike

[Gary B.]