C1 Rear leaf spring paint colors

[James F.]

I'm refinishing a set of grooved rear leaf springs for my '61 corvette. The judging guide says that the top leaf was painted silver. My questions are: Was there a special silver paint used - metallic or? Is only the top/non-grooved side painted? If so, what color, if any, was on the rest of the spring? I do this every 42 years, & it's time to get it right! Jim.

[Edward L.]

Re: C1 Rear leaf spring paint colors

I really have to question the use of a silver top spring. I have restored seven early Corvettes, all had original grooved springs. Not once have I found evidence of a silver painted spring in a four leaf set-up.

[James F.]

Re: C1 Rear leaf spring paint colors

I really have to question the use of a silver top spring. I have restored seven early Corvettes, all had original grooved springs. Not once have I found evidence of a silver painted spring in a four leaf set-up.

I didn't either until it was mentioned in the fifth edition of the 61-62 TIM with pink cover, page 85. Lots of may or may nots. I thought it might be some type of anti-corrosion idea. I'll just paint it black. Thanks, Jim

[Thomas H.]

Re: C1 Rear leaf spring paint colors

The top leaf on the 58 springs was supposedly painted silver. But everything got a coat of black paint on the line so the spring was all black. The springs that were in my 58 when I got it were not original so I had to source some. I painted the top leaf silver, then covered the whole spring in black.

BUT.... the springs that are in my 60 are the original springs. When I rebuilt them I found evidence of silver paint under the black.

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Tom

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 Rear leaf spring paint colors

We've found 56 & 57 top of the top leaf spring in both 4 and 5 spring assemblies pained with Ionoklad rust inhibitor paint.

Gary
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[David B.]

Re: C1 Rear leaf spring paint colors

Rear Spring Assembly procedure states: "Paint shot blasted surface of #1 leaf with Aluminum paint"