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Topic: Rear Spring Retaining Cups?

in Forum: C3 Handling Components

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (1/9)
11/12/09 10:11am

red70-oneconv

Lifetime Member
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Warrenton, MO - USA

Vette(s):
1971; Numbers Match; Convertible; Red Ext.; Red vinyl Int; Black Conv Top; Red Hrdtop; 327-270HP; 4-speed; Factory Air Cond; Pwr Steer

Joined: 1/3/2004
Posts: 144

Hi Guys and Gals. I need assisance with a rear spring question. I am installing a new steel standard (9 leaf) rear spring in my 1971 Convertible with the 350/270 HP motor.

The new spring was shipped with clamps at either end of the longer springs. These clamps have a metal u-shaped piece of steel with a "band" around the clamp that holds it in place. I took these springs apart to paint them the correct gray primer color. The clamps that came with the spring had to be pried apart after the band was loosend to have clearance for removal. Question? The NCRS manual states that there were no band clamps on original springs, however the rear spring retaining cups are natural and peened into position.

Are these clamps that came with the springs band clamps or retaining cups? Should they be re-installed or should I obtain the correct retaining cups? Should there be any hardware on the spring other than the center bolt? Where can I obtain the original retainng cup hardware if that is what is needed? I appreciate any information you may have and I thank you in advance

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (2/9)
11/12/09 10:36am

bio11
Former Member
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.

Joined: 4/1/2007
Posts: 432

I just replaced my rear spring with one from Vette Brakes...came with the cups that I peened over. Nothing else on mine. I am not familiar with these clamps. I'm wondering if they were just for shipping so the spring wouldn't twist or something.

Lonnie

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (3/9)
11/12/09 2:18pm

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

MOST aftermarket rear leaf springs do come with band clamps around the leaves. This is NOT factory. If you are having the car Judged, it will be a deduction. Leave them off since they are off now.
The spring cups are where the rubber cushions go on the spring ends, and on the trailing arms, where the bolt goes thru. You can use the cups off of your old spring. They are "peened"(bent over) from the factory, and you can replicate that with a ball peen hammer, or with a press...but the hammer is much easier. Most original spring cups are usually a little rusty, and worn, so yours may not be hard to get off the spring, as the center part that is peened will usually be worn enough for the cups to come off with a little prying with a screwdriver.
HTH

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (4/9)
11/12/09 3:23pm

red70-oneconv

Lonnie:

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it. It appears that I need to obtain some new cups that go on the end of the large spring that has the mounting hole. I will see if Vette Brakes sells these separately since you said that they came with your new spring and you peened them yourself.

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (5/9)
11/12/09 3:27pm

bio11
Former Member
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.

Joined: 4/1/2007
Posts: 432

If you can't get anyone to sell you just the cups, let me know...some how I wound up with an extra pair of new ones.

Lonnie

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (6/9)
11/12/09 3:34pm

red70-oneconv

Joel:

Thanks. You helped me understand the situation. I will not install the band clamps as you recommend. To be sure I understand you, the spring will have no hardware on it when installed other than the center bolt holding the spring pack together and the cups that are peened on the end of the large spring with the mounting holes. Is this correct.? I do not believe the spring I am replacing is a factory spring. It also has the band clamps on it and I do not see any separate cups on the spring. It is still on the car, and is as flat as a pancake which is why I am replacing it. I do not know if I will have the car judged, however, whenever I replace an item or restore an area I try to make it as original as possible. Do you know if these cups can be purchased separately from the spring? Do you happen to know if any of the C3VR sponsors sell these cups separately? Lonnie said his new spring came with them and he peened them himself so I assume they can be purchased separately. The NCRS guide says they are natural. Thank you very much for your assistance. I really appreciate your input.

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (7/9)
11/12/09 8:56pm

red70-oneconv

Lonnie:

If you have an extra set of cups that you have no use for, I will gladly buy them from you rather than a vendor. If that will help you out, let me know what you want for them and I will send you a check. If you do not want to sell them, I will pursue purchasing them from a vendor.

Thanks

Bob H.

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (8/9)
11/13/09 12:31am

Adams' Apple

There will be NO fasteners/bands/clamps of any kind, other than the one bolt thru the center of the spring assy in the middle, where it bolts up to the diff. Your old one is obviously a replacement/aftermarket assy if it had the band clamps to start with.
The spring cups are definitely available from many of the suppliers, including our supporting vendors here. Lonni says he has some extras, so....

I can't believe your springs do NOT have them, tho...that's just weird! I'd bet your rubber cushions are totally destroyed!

______________

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Rear Spring Retaining Cups? (9/9)
11/15/09 5:13pm

bio11
Former Member
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.

Joined: 4/1/2007
Posts: 432

Sorry Bob, I've been out of town trout fishing...just got back. PM me with your address and I'll put these in the mail no charge. Maybe someday you'll have something I need. oh they are the natural color.

Lonnie

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