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Topic: need help with the springs

in Forum: C3 Handling Components

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need help with the springs (1/4)
9/15/15 8:38pm

cinor

Lifetime Member
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, - Canada

Vette(s):
1975 L48 Stingray 1992 LT1

Joined: 12/24/2013
Posts: 414

So here is where i need some input. I ordered new coil springs in through my local store when i received them they were about 3" shorter than the old ones i took out. Old ones have approx 9 coils and new ones have about 7. Looking at ebay i see both on there and they all say like 63 to 82 years. so are the ones i ordered correct or not

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Re: need help with the springs (2/4)
9/15/15 9:25pm

Jeffm
Former Member
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Sebago Lake, ME - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary L82 4spd (M21) Red Leather. Pace Car is in the hands of a new caretaker.

Joined: 2/15/2007
Posts: 964

They probably are the correct ones. I replaced mine about 7 years ago and the new ones where shorter than the originals. Makes them a lot easier to install and the car still sits at the proper height. I think I ordered what they called the touring grade from VBP.

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Re: need help with the springs (3/4)
9/16/15 8:59am

Redwoman
Former Member
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Bellingham, MA - USA

Vette(s):
1980 loaded red on red. 68,000 original miles. Second owner. Well documented with all original paperwork. NCRS Founders Award 9/27/14. NCRS Top Flight 10/12/14.

Joined: 6/23/2014
Posts: 175

The old spring should be longer than the new one. When the spring is worn out it expands. At Bair's seminar Brian pointed out that the spring must be installed a certain way. He gets a lot of calls from people who put them in upside down. He said there is a mark on the spring that indicates which way it needs to be installed.

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Re: need help with the springs (4/4)
9/16/15 10:57am

kstyer

Lifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!

Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

They also need to be installed in the right rotational position. If not, they can hit sections of the frame.

7 coils vs 9 coils means they will fit, but they are stiffer. If you had the original coils you will find they ride softer than what you are putting in the car. That's okay. It usually will also improve handling with fewer coils. If you look at the pound per inch rating you will find the original are probably a smaller pound number.

Now having said that, depending on the coil wire itself, there can be some varations as well. So a spring with fewer coils, but different coil wire MIGHT come out about the same. Again compare inch pound ratings. That will tell you what you need to know.

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