Topic: Spring Replacement
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I have the gymkhana option suspension. My spring is not sagging yet. See photo (note space over tires). The bushings are all dryed out and cracking in the rear area. I was thinking of changing only the bushings and possibly the center spring bolts on the exisiting spring, when I change all shocks. Is a 23 year old spring still safe? 



1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383.........
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BRADENTON, FL - USA
Joined: 8/4/2002
Posts: 669
Vette(s): 1972 convertible 350 auto trans, delux int, air, ps, pb, t/t wheel, pw, 79,000 org miles Rare one year only color
i still have the orgional spring in mine, 31 years old
|IMG|http://www.c3vr.com/member_uploads/1301_1400/1333/br80.jpg |/IMG|
Sounds like the spring could last a little longer, no signs of visual problems. Many other problems to fix now. 



1980 L82 (5069 made), Dark Green Metalic (844 made)
Gymkhana Suspension, AM/FM/CB, Sporting a ZZ383.........
Don't cheap out! Spend the time and money to do it right!
I have a 25 year old car too! Do everything better than
it needs to be.You'l be happy you did and you won"t
have to go back and do it again!
Steve
I have a 25 year old car too! Do everything better than
it needs to be.You'l be happy you did and you won"t
have to go back and do it again!

Steve
One of the guys that I met at a local show here told me the story of what happened when he broke the rear spring on a C3. I spare you the gory details but I will tell you that if you break the original spring the rear wheels will tear up your rear quarter panels. With visions of shattered fiberglass I have choosen to be proactive and replace mine.
Good luck!
Good luck!

'69 350/350 conv.
I worked in a spring shop for 16yrs,Hemstreet Auto Spring in Easton PA. Take my advise springs do fatigue and develope stress cracks around the center bolt area.I replaced mine on my 73 with 65000 miles on it,what a diffence in the ride and handling.Go to Corvette Central they have some good deals.
Dave Border, Easton PA
Dave Border, Easton PA


Grand Blanc, MI - USA
Joined: 8/7/2002
Posts: 544
Vette(s): 1979, 350sb, as my kids affectionately call it "shit brown" Corvette purchased in 1996. 84,000+ miles. Not a show car, but I love her just the same.
With the leaf I felt like I was going to be launched in LEO (lower earth orbit) everytime I hit a bad spot in these Michigan roads I travel (which for the uninitiated is all the time
), but with the fiberglass I still feel the bumps, they're just not as bad as riding out an earthquake on my tailbone.
Just remember to get shocks that match the spring rate or you could be disappointed.


Just remember to get shocks that match the spring rate or you could be disappointed.

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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