1963 front coil springs

[Jerry C.]

Where do I get new front springs that have the correct height and ride? Thanks in advance.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

Jerry. I have used Moog front springs on both 63 and 64 with very good results. also Eaton spring which I believe is really Moog.

[Gary B.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

Jerry,


If you want good, used, original GM springs, I suggest you contact David Sokolowski in So. Cal. Someone on the DB will have his contact info.

Gary

[James G.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

EATON... they are the only ones I have ever found to do springs correctly.

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

1964 was the first year for variable rate coil springs. Something Zora felt was an accomplishment. Therefore 1963 Corvette coil springs differ. So my question is, are there service replacement springs that closely approximate the height and performance and appearance of original '63 springs?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

1964 was the first year for variable rate coil springs. Something Zora felt was an accomplishment. Therefore 1963 Corvette coil springs differ. So my question is, are there service replacement springs that closely approximate the height and performance and appearance of original '63 springs?

Dan------


Mounted on the car I don't think that anyone could tell the difference between a 1963 single rate spring and a 1964 variable rate spring. I'd use the variable rate.

[Mark M.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

Long Island has had proper ride height springs for some time now. There was a span of time when GM sold small block springs which put the front end up high and the cars with them looked silly. I've used various Long Island springs small and big block and got the cars to proper ride heights.

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

Dan------


Mounted on the car I don't think that anyone could tell the difference between a 1963 single rate spring and a 1964 variable rate spring. I'd use the variable rate.

Joe.......

Does the wire diameter for variable rate springs not very over the length of the spring? While a non variable rate spring has uniform wire diameter?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

Joe.......

Does the wire diameter for variable rate springs not very over the length of the spring? While a non variable rate spring has uniform wire diameter?

Dan-------


The wire diameter does not vary over the length of the spring. Single rate coil springs have the coils more-or-less evenly spaced. Variable rate have the coils closer spaced at the top and wider spaced at the bottom. Once the spring is installed in the car and compressed I don't think that anyone could discern the difference. Out of the car and uncompressed the two types are easily distinguishable.

[Dan A.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

I do believe you are absolutely right. It was accomplished with coil spacing rather than wire diameter. Refresher courses can be a good thing. Somewhat embarrassing, but still a good thing.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

If ride quality is your goal use the progressive wound springs.
Soft for the first 1" and then act like a regular spring.
FYI the back spring is also progressive in 64 and has a vastly improved ride.
My 63 rides like a log truck.
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

If ride quality is your goal use the progressive wound springs.
Soft for the first 1" and then act like a regular spring.
FYI the back spring is also progressive in 64 and has a vastly improved ride.
My 63 rides like a log truck.
Rick

Rick------


Yes, GM didn't change to the progressive rate springs because the single rate worked just as well.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

1964 was the first year for variable rate coil springs. Something Zora felt was an accomplishment. Therefore 1963 Corvette coil springs differ. So my question is, are there service replacement springs that closely approximate the height and performance and appearance of original '63 springs?

Dan,

I installed the LI Corvette springs on my 63 because I thought the originals to be fatigued. This was years before Richard passed and he assured me the ride height would be correct. The LI springs are wound with eight coils and I believe the wire diameter was the same as original but I did not double check it.

The ride height picked up approx 1/2" which helped and was exactly what Richard told me. The extra spring coil was done because many people complained about the low 63 front ride height.

If these springs are still available expect to see eight coils but everything else the same including ride height.

[Gene M.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

Having had judged chassis for years the biggest error observed in front mid year springs is being installed upside down.

And yes it is detectable.

[Frederick H.]

Re: 1963 front coil springs

I can't recall where, but I thought I read that '63 coil springs with "masking" tape over the top coil were installed in A/C cars . The picture shows what is left of them. Please shout out if you have any additional info. Not sure I want to put these in the car (not the ones the car came with). I currently have Z06 springs installed.

Thanks.