Front coil spings for 1969 L46

[Joseph H.]

My understanding is for a 1969 L46 without air the front coils should have 9 coils. Where is the best
place to purchase the most correct front coil springs?
Thanks for the help.

[Robert E.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

I would also like to know what others have used to replace their C3 springs I will be looking for a replacement shortly and would also like one that closely resembles the original in configuration and ride height.

Rob

[Joe L.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

I would also like to know what others have used to replace their C3 springs I will be looking for a replacement shortly and would also like one that closely resembles the original in configuration and ride height.

Rob

Rob and Joseph-----

I can tell you this: if you can find a pair of NOS GM #331316 springs, the last available GM replacements, they will work perfectly and provide a perfect ride height.

[Robert E.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Joe, thanks for the information. I plugged the part number into Google, it appears that ZIP products carries what looks like a reproduction of the original. Can anyone vouch for its claim?

http://www.zip-corvette.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=%7B400A1F37-5BAF-4739-86A0-AECFEB766F46%7D&gid=%7B70F55B65-19E2-47BA-BE30-E5E9822CF912%7D&pname=68-74+327+%26+350+Front+Coil+Springs+(Correct)&Referer=&Alias=&ptct=SGR-SR&CTitle=&

Rob

[Joseph H.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Yes, I saw those also on the ZIP website. I also searched many of the other corvette sites without luck. Anyone out
there use the ZIP reproduction springs?

I will search for the NOS GM #331316 springs also.
Thanks everyone.

[Joseph H.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Joe,
I am also going to look for good originals. What years used the 331316 front coil spring?
Thanks,
Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Joe,
I am also going to look for good originals. What years used the 331316 front coil spring?
Thanks,
Joe

Joe------

The GM #331316 were used in PRODUCTION for 1973-74 Corvettes and became SERVICE for 68-72 when the original coil spring for those years, GM #3931823, was discontinued in November, 1972. The reason I suggest using the 331316 for a 1969 is two-fold. First, I KNOW these springs work PERFECTLY for a 1969 small block without C-60. Second, the 3931823 have been discontinued for almost 40 years. So, the chance of finding NOS examples of those is near zero whereas the chance of finding a 331316 is somewhat greater.

[Joseph H.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Thanks, I appreciate all the information. Would originals from any corvette small block from 68-81 work? Just wondering if I could expand my search of years in case I can find any good originals.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Thanks, I appreciate all the information. Would originals from any corvette small block from 68-81 work? Just wondering if I could expand my search of years in case I can find any good originals.

Joe------


I would not use any except the 68-72 or 73-74 that I mentioned above. Corvettes got heavier as the C3 period went on and spring rates were revised to compensate.

[Joseph H.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Thanks, appreciate the advice. I have a line on an NOS set of 331316 springs. They are black and have the part number tag on them. What would you suggestion be in the area of removing the paint from them? Remove or not and if yes bead blast or use paint remover.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Thanks, appreciate the advice. I have a line on an NOS set of 331316 springs. They are black and have the part number tag on them. What would you suggestion be in the area of removing the paint from them? Remove or not and if yes bead blast or use paint remover.

Joe------


Most likely it's powder coat. I would not attempt to remove it.

[Terry M.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Thanks, appreciate the advice. I have a line on an NOS set of 331316 springs. They are black and have the part number tag on them. What would you suggestion be in the area of removing the paint from them? Remove or not and if yes bead blast or use paint remover.

The 331316 were NOT black (regardless of how they got black) when they came over the counter or if they were installed at St Louis. So how NOS are they? This sounds like that "numbers matching" BS we hear about so much.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

The 331316 were NOT black (regardless of how they got black) when they came over the counter or if they were installed at St Louis. So how NOS are they? This sounds like that "numbers matching" BS we hear about so much.

Terry-----


I think that some of the later SERVICE examples might have been black powder-coated. I have quite a few of these [none for sale] but pulling out that heavy tote bin they're in is just too much for me to contemplate right now.

[Ron G.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

Guys, I agree with Terry that the replacement springs were natural, not painted black or any other color. However, you may already be aware that the service replacments are of a taller design, therfore the car will no doubt sit higher than originally intended. I believe from memory that the springs were 13" from top to bottom. As a last resort, if you find a service repalcement, you can experiment with cutting the coils from the top a half coil at a time to lower the car. In regard to stripping off paint, I personally would use aircraft paint remover. If you do decide to go the media blast route, be aware that the original cast finish would be altered. The only way to restore the finish back to the natural finish/patina after it was blasted is to use some acids and there is a sequence of chemicals to bring it back as it should be. I could stay on here all night just speaking of how to do it. My suggestion is that if you put any stock into what I am telling you, then shoot me an email I will walk you thru it.

[Terry M.]

Re: Front coil spings for 1969 L46

I confess my experience with the SPO examples goes to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It may be that some later SERVICE front springs came with some kind of black coating. Perhaps I was painting with too broad a brush (pun intended).

Ron, I would be cautious using acid on any spring -- coil or leaf. I have not been around metallurgy in almost 50 years, and I probably qualify as an example of "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing." As a result I won't get into the mechanism, but some acids will damage the metallurgy of springs with disastrous results -- as in the spring breaks.