71 leaf spring from Eaton

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

I keep seeing references to the "gray" spring coating from Quanta. However, in recent discussions with Mike at America's Finest Corvettes, he indicated the leaf spring coating (for 1964 models and later) was actually a "grey-bluish" color. His recent 7-leaf spring repro (which is advertised in the Driveline), also has this "grey-bluish" color.

Call it what you want; it's more gray than the shock blue-gray.
Either way, it's still available for purchase.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

That gray colored (or whatever color you want to call it) coating is NOT a paint, is is a lubricant.

[Charles P.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

They will strip the spring for you but it will need to be further stripped (blasted) once it arrives. I would save the $75 should they request for removal as at the very least it will protect it somewhat during shipment. As mentioned it comes via UPS with just a sticker and a couple of clamps to hold it together.
I disassembled the spring and tossed the leaf liners that were there. I completely bead blasted the junk they had on it off. Very persistant stuff like a plastized tar was on it. I purchased the Qanta kit along with the liners. It a cinch to finish, very fast drying epoxy like paint that will definitely kill a few brain cells so make sure you apply it in a well ventilated area. I used a whizzer brush. Very nice and did 2 coats.
After the spring was on the ride height was VERY high. I fixed that by using a slightly longer bolt then stock on each side. I drilled the bolts I used to lock the castle nut before I put them on. Good luck

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

That gray colored (or whatever color you want to call it) coating is NOT a paint, is is a lubricant.

Um, remind me to show you my can of the stuff next time we meet.
It's the paintiest looking lubricant I've ever seen.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

Well then maybe Quanta is NOT selling the real stuff. It has a name like Incol, or something close to that.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

Well then maybe Quanta is NOT selling the real stuff. It has a name like Incol, or something close to that.

Ionoklad.

And, the stuff in my can exactly matches the Ionoklad that Franz has described to me.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

The description I heard from Franz sounded liek it was much thicker than paint. Like it had to be put on with a brush.

[James B.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

Well now I'm really confused.

"Gray paint", "Gray-Blue Paint", "Coating", "Lubricant", etc.

Sounds like the topic of the leaf spring's color and what is applied to the leaf spring, isn't as cut and dried as we think.

A review of the 1970 - 1972 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide (4th Edition - Page 103) indicates that the rear spring is "light gray primer". However, on Page 105, it indicates the rear spring is "primer grey (Hot Rolled)". Is "primer" considered a paint, coating or lubricant or ????

Hmmm....

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

Well now I'm really confused.

"Gray paint", "Gray-Blue Paint", "Coating", "Lubricant", etc.

Sounds like the topic of the leaf spring's color and what is applied to the leaf spring, isn't as cut and dried as we think.

A review of the 1970 - 1972 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide (4th Edition - Page 103) indicates that the rear spring is "light gray primer". However, on Page 105, it indicates the rear spring is "primer grey (Hot Rolled)". Is "primer" considered a paint, coating or lubricant or ????

Hmmm....

Just don't fret about it.
Terry and I could likely resolve this in 15 seconds in person.
Just buy the stuff from Quanta and ignore us.

[Robert P.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

OK, I'll go get the 6 and 3 spring from Eaton ( there about 45 minutes away) Strip the coating off myself. I ordered the paint ( coating) from Quanta, This will be much better than the 6 leaf rusted spring I have now. Thanks again for your help Bob

[John H.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

I ordered the paint ( coating) from Quanta, This will be much better than the 6 leaf rusted spring I have now.

Bob -

Order the Quanta liners too - they're correct.

[Robert P.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

John, So the liners that Eaton supplies are not correct ?

[John H.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

John, So the liners that Eaton supplies are not correct ?

Bob -

They weren't six years ago when I got mine; don't know if they've changed them since or not.

[Erik S.]

Re: 71 leaf spring from Eaton

And likely when taking the spring apart for stripping etc you will trash the eaton liners