Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

[Jeff A.]

OK - I finally secured an original 1963 rear leaf spring.
How do I tell if it needs to be rebuilt, or if I can just bolt it on?

[Harry S.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Post a picture please.

[Jeff A.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Harry - I knew you would say that.
It has been in a warehouse for years - a little muddy, but not very rusty.
came from a very reliable source.

[Harry S.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Jeff, you could probably just bolt it on and go. What does the rest of the chassis look like. If it's neat and clean with no surface rust then I would redo the spring.

[Jeff A.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

The look was not what I was concerned about.
Absolutely, I am going to clean it up and make it look nice.

I would hate to install it, then find out I should have had it re-arched or something. I was wondering if there was a way to tell if it was still going to be "springy"

More worried about functionality.

[Harry S.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Can't help with that part. Hopefully others will chime in.

[Jack H.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

So, measure the arch and compare to spec to determine if it needs to be re-arched...

Don't know how to measure free arch? Lay the spring flat on its side. Draw a chord though the center of the end holes. Measure from the center of the chord to the bottom of the spring above.

Factory spec is free arch = 10.0"

[Harry S.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Jack, is the measurement done with the spring assembled or part? I believe the characteristics of that bottom leaf change when assembled.

[Jack H.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Measure with the spring assembled but NOT under tension, Harry.

[Harry S.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

Just measure mine, I get 10.0 when the string is laid at the bottom of the holes not dead center.

[Joel T.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

OK - I finally secured an original 1963 rear leaf spring.
How do I tell if it needs to be rebuilt, or if I can just bolt it on?

Jeff;

I have a '63 with what must be a replacement spring... Mine has 7 leaves versus the standard 9 (as in your pictures). How did you determine that it was an original 1963 spring??

Thanks.

Joel

[Jeff A.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

I think Harry should answer that.
He guided me in the right direction during my pursuit.

In 63 the only model that received the 7 leaf was the Z06.
In 64 I believe you would get it also with the F41 option.

Will measure my spring when I get home tonight. Thanks for the info!!!

[Duke W.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

It's very easy to disassemble the spring - inspect the liners and inspect the leaves for corrosion.

Likely a new set of liners is in order if they are worn (likely) and you can at your option treat the leaves to an anti-corrosion coating if you're not concerned about loosing a few judging points.

Install it with new set of spring link cushions.

Duke

[Stan E.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

I think the leaves were painted gray and the repo linners will be a deduct.

[Jeff A.]

Re: Found a correct 63 rear spring - now what?

the springs were natural or black in 63.
Are the repro liners really different in appearance?