59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

[David M.]

Can anyone tell me if RPO 581 (heavy duty suspension only, no heavy duty brakes) could still be ordered after that RPO was incorporated into RPO 684 (total racing package with HD breaks and suspension)? I am asking because I have a 1959 with 5 leafs on the rear and heavy duty front anti-roll bar. If one could order just heavy duty 5 leaf springs and heavy duty anti-roll bar and coil springs then I don't have to swap out the springs. However, if you could not order a 1959 with just heavy duty suspension and no heavy duty brakes then I have a lot more work to do to change back to 4 leafs. Given the condition I think this car was raced. Hope this question is understandable. I found this information on page 189 of Noland Adams Guide-Vol. 1.

[David B.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

There was an RPO 581 option offered in 1959. However, GM production records list it as:
Economy Carb. - 6 Cyl. passenger car only - 4,298 produced. Obviously not what your looking for. If HD springs could be ordered it would not be listed as 581.

[David M.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

Thank you David. It's great to have access to folks that can provide that insight. Has anyone heard of a 1959 ordered with heavy duty suspension only and no big brakes?

[Loren L.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

It doesn't really matter much, as the original owner (or later) could have gone to the parts department and bought the shaft stabilizer bar (Gr. 7.241, # 3735708) for $5.80; the HD front coils (Gr. 7.412, # 3748140, 3/8" wire, 11 3/16" hgt.) for $10.95 each; and the 5 leaf HD rear springs
(Gr. 7.503, #3748143) for $39.60 each. Add $40 for misc. attaching parts and welcome to autocross 101. (April 1, 1959 Pts Bk.)

[David M.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

Thanks for all the input. Looks like I will swap out the 5 leafs for 4 leafs if I want to have the car judged.

[Gary C.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

David,

What's the Julian date on the 5 leaf springs?

Gary
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[Terry D.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

Back in those days most anything was possible. If your dealership was one of the elite (sold lots of vehicles) you could order most any part available. You have to remember there were not automated assembly lines, so to go get a 5 leaf spring instead of four was not that complicated. Having worked at a Chevy store in the 60's I saw lots of things that were not standard production items come down the pike. And of course there was also the Copo cars

[David M.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

Hi Gary, I don't have the springs off the car yet. They do have the grooves in them so I think they could be GM and not repros. Thanks for that questions because when I get to the point where I can see the PN and Julian date that may help me understand what I have. Thanks again

[Gary C.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

David,

When C1 rear of the car sagged, the original springs were often changed to 5 leaf springs to raise the rear up.

The 5 leaf springs were available over the counter until mid 1966.

Gary
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[Bill M.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

If the 5-leaf springs are dated correctly for your car, consider the possibility that your car came with RPO 684 and the HD brakes were removed.

[Loren L.]

Re: 59 corvette 5 leaf rear springs

And the fast steering. Nothing like a 60 year old mystery.......SCCA history?......