How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

[John M.]

I'm desperately trying to sell off some old parts and other items to pay for finishing my car. I'm about a Grand away so I'm scavaging.

I have what I believe is the original rear spring in very good condition and am trying to identify if its original before putting it on the block.

Are there any part stampings to look for?

6 curved, and 3 flat slats with the ends of the slats slightly curved up at the end except the bottom slat. The bolt/pin running through the center is "W" marked.

It has thick plastic liners between the springs which my reproduction dosen't.

I strongly believe it to be original as it's off a 57,000 mile car but want to be totally sure before I market it as such.

Thanks

Any guesses on value of an easily cleaned up original rear spring is greatly appreciated.

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

OK, after some research it's definately original.

I guess the smart thing would be to buy some H-liners from Quanta and restore it to perfection prior to selling.

What would a 100 point rear spring be worth?

[Michael W.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

What would a 100 point rear spring be worth?

Worth keeping if it were me.

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

That's my dilema. My car will never be point judged. A high caliber detailed driver. Restored with correct detail, but with enough reproduction parts to make judging unrealistic.

I'm about a grand away from finishing and I'm trying to scrape up enough cash to do so.

So the question is, is the value of a restored original Spring worth offsetting loosing the original part?

Will the reproduction I purchased from Bairs give me the ride height and performance as original?

Is the value of the original not worth loosing the originality as compared to what i could re-sell the new reproduction for?

Tough dilema I can't determine without knowing what a correct restored original will bring.

Not being able to have the car on the road until September/October dosen't sound like an enjoyable option and also weighs in on the descision.

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

Or, I could see if Bairs would take a return for credit, buy a rebuild kit and have an extra $130 credit for parts while keeping the original Spring.

A guess selling a good Original born with part isn't worth the few extra Hundred I could make from it.

[Michael W.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

If it's the original spring and in good condition, why not rebuild and re-use it on your own car? That would save you buying a repro.

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

I already bought the repro but Bairs has agreed to accept the return for in-house credit which kills 2 birds with one stone.

[Steven H.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

John

How much was this repo and how much do you thing an original goes for?

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

$178 for a re-pop. I have no idea but I would think a primo restored original would be worth $300 easy on e-bay.

Hard to say.

[Steven H.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

Ok, cool.

I was thinking about putting a composite on mine; if my original would quick sale for $100 I might be all for that.

[Michael W.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

I already bought the repro but Bairs has agreed to accept the return for in-house credit which kills 2 birds with one stone.

You may wish to keep the original until you've had a chance to fully evaluate the repro. Most do not allow the car to sit at the correct ride height, usually too high. Some of the composite springs have the same issue.

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

That slight risk as well helped settle the debate. I'll restore and keep the original.

[Rick M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

If I'm not mistaken Eaton was the original manufacturer and still makes a correct spring. I think they claim it will pass judging. I refurbished mine (51,000 miles) but the car sits low. Am probably going to re-spring but my dilema is getting front springs that are correct.

[Steven H.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

I already got a trade offer from this thread

[John M.]

Re: How to identify Original 1969 Rear Spring

Carefull Steven, I'm getting PM's as well.

That tells me the composite and reproductions have issues in ride height and or performance.

Keep your original.