66 SB Conv springs

[Michael M.]

I'm looking into parts for my suspension restoration this winter. Any advice as to where to buy front coils and a rear leaf spring? I want the car to ride as it did from the factory, same height and same ride and handling. Right now the car is a little low and a bit hard. Still fun to drive though. Is there a place to buy them where it's all matched to each other?

[Scott S.]

Re: 66 SB Conv springs

I'm looking into parts for my suspension restoration this winter. Any advice as to where to buy front coils and a rear leaf spring? I want the car to ride as it did from the factory, same height and same ride and handling. Right now the car is a little low and a bit hard. Still fun to drive though. Is there a place to buy them where it's all matched to each other?

Michael,

If the front coil springs need to be replaced, I would find a new old stock pair of GM 3851100. Prices are all over the place, so shop around.

For the rear leaf spring, if your original is not pitted with rust, it may still be good, in which case it could be taken apart, cleaned and painted. Add new liners and hardware, and reassemble. If the original leaf spring is too far gone, you could restore an original (used) donor spring, or go with a new replacement.

It is my understanding that Eaton Detroit Spring makes the closest thing to a "new" midyear leaf spring. http://www.eatonsprings.com/corvettesprings63-82.html

[Ronald L.]

Re: 66 SB Conv springs

Michael, you did not mention if your car has F41 suspension which will equate to low and hard. Also suspension rubber and tires will influence this significantly.

Are you running bias ply reproduction tires?

Car a F41 - original? Count the rear leaf - 7 versus 9?

Follow Scott and get the real parts. Rear leaf if arched is still fine.

[Michael H.]

Re: 66 SB Conv springs

I installed a pair of front springs from Zip for like $130 shipped and they are the correct height. I rebuilt my original rear spring with new liners and everything looks great.

Mike

[Michael M.]

Re: 66 SB Conv springs

Sorry, I forgot to mention that its the standard suspension, 9 leaf rear spring. 215/70 radial tires, steel wheels with hubcaps

I guess I could track down a set of front coils and see how she sits. I know that it will ride better with new rubber in the cross member and the ends and new liners but it won't sit any higher in the rear than it does now. It sits pretty low, as low as the front and I know for sure they are done. I should mention that I'm ok with low. Some cars I've seen sit way too high for my taste. I haven't measured and compared the spec but it's too low.

So far, I've only found one set new set of NOS front coils, from Doc Rebuild if he still has them. I have a few other places to try today. Any one have any experience with Eaton Coil springs?

Thanks for the replies so far.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 66 SB Conv springs

Start looking early for the NOS ones, the market for those tanked a year or so back and you can find then inexpensive if you give it a couple of months.