Coil Spring Issue on a 1963

[Gerald C.]

My left front coil is tilted in the "cavity" and it rubs against the frame. I can see a twisted rubber donut in the upper "A" frame.

I'd like to attempt to compress the spring and see if I can move it back into position. In addition, I will ry to remove the donut

Which spring compressor will work better, the internal or the external? Your experiences will be helpful.

Thanks,

Jerry

[Tracy C.]

Re: Coil Spring Issue on a 1963

Gerald,

It is good to remove the rubber spacer from the frame pocket as it is the source of your spring malalignment problem. Is there one on the other front coil as well? You should remove both sides if so.

These spacers were typically installed by dealers for customers who complained of low ride height of their new 63's. GM went to a stiffer spring in 64.

I've never used an internal coil spring compresser and I don't think an external compresser will work very well. I just remove the shock and use heavy duty all thread. There was a Restorer article written about a year ago by Rob M (?) detailing the proceedure on a C1, but it also works for later model cars.

be careful..
tc

[Joe L.]

Re: Coil Spring Issue on a 1963

My left front coil is tilted in the "cavity" and it rubs against the frame. I can see a twisted rubber donut in the upper "A" frame.

I'd like to attempt to compress the spring and see if I can move it back into position. In addition, I will ry to remove the donut

Which spring compressor will work better, the internal or the external? Your experiences will be helpful.

Thanks,

Jerry

Jerry------


It's virtually impossible to use an external-type coil spring compressor on a C2 or C3 Corvette. You must use an internal type compressor.

I think you will have to remove the spring to remove the spacer, then re-install the spring (or, use new springs). If your ride height was right, if you remove the spacers and go back with the same springs, the car is going to be lower in the front.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Coil Spring Issue on a 1963

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to use the threaded stock avenue. I did this years ago and in fact, wrote an article for the Restorer Magazine. But that was used when the body was off of the car.

I'm taking the approach whereby, I'll use the threaded stock, etc. and remove the lower A frame bolts. Then try to straihten the spring out after I release it.

Jerry

[Loren L.]

Re: Coil Spring Issue on a 1963

If you really want the truth, the car has sent all the signals that it is now TIME to have a good front suspension shop/man determine whether or not 47 years =s "Do The Whole Front End".

[Gerald C.]

Re: Coil Spring Issue on a 1963

Loren,

I agree. I'm trying this now and will bring the car to a front end shop in the springtime.

Thanks