63 Leaf Spring pics?

[Frederick W.]

I would love to see a detailed picture of the original 63 transverse leaf spring.

The JRM describes it but doesn't show it. I've been offered several springs that were billed as 63 originals but did not match the description.

63 is stated in the JRM to be light gray, 2 1/4 in wide, with liners between all but the top two leafs. 63 springs have a "common curvature" while on the 64 the "top two leaves are flat". "The outboard edge of all leaves, other than the lower leaf, is reduced in thickness and flare upward". The lower leaf is "sheared, not saw cut" at 45 degree angle on each corner. etc.

Very hard to envision all of this. Anybody got a pic?

thanks!
Fred

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

Fred,

Here a picture of "half" of my 63 spring. I hope it will help you see what you need.

tc

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

Thanks Tracy!
I'm planning to purchase this spring for an NCRS correct (work in progress) 63 SWC.
Any comments regarding originality or issues?
Thanks
Fred

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

A couple more pics for your comments.

thanks
Fred

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

Looks OK Fred except there should not be a liner between leaf 8 & 9 (shortest ones). Also, the bolt holding them all together is too short. You want about 3/8" of threads showing. After reassembly, you will want to flatten the exposed threads a tad with a ball peen hammer to prevent the nut from backing off. There is no lock washer used.

Plan on buying a new nut and bolt and install them when you have it apart to remove the extra liner. Availible from LICS for around $5.

Don't forget to use a large C-clamp to hold the spring together when you remove the existing bolt.

tc

[John H.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

And check the height of the head of the capscrew vs. the depth of the cast hole for it in the rear cover so you don't crack the rear cover when you bolt the spring retainer plate up (with the spring at normal ride height, of course).

[Gary B.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

Thanks Tracy!
I'm planning to purchase this spring for an NCRS correct (work in progress) 63 SWC.
Any comments regarding originality or issues?
Thanks
Fred

Fred,

I'm just curious where you found the spring. Apart from the comments of others, the basic spring looks good to me.

Gary Beaupre
NCRS# 288818
garybeaupre.home.comcast.net

[Frederick W.]

Re: 63 Leaf Spring pics?

Gary,
I found it through a Corvette Forum member. I'm always on the prowl for what I need.

Tracy and John,

Thanks for all the advice.

Fred