Question on front springs for 69 bb

[Brad H.]

During restoration of my 69 L36 Convertible, I replaced the front springs because they were pretty pitted and the car leaned a bit up front. I replaced them with a set of front springs from Volunteer Vette advertised as Correct Reproduction stock BB springs. They may be exactly that, however the front end rides like it has solid struts. They are acutely stiff in my opinion. My previous 69 SB with AC rode very nicely. Frankly now that the car is finished I am not as interested in perfect authenticity or performance steering as I am in a smooth ride. I realize this statement is pure blasphemy but I am willing to suffer the hits in an effort to smooth this thing out. Also, I will never forget Joe Lucia saying he will Never, Never, Ever, Ever have a side exhaust car. Well I am quickly adopting that feeling as well. I know I sound like a pathetic looser but I'm wimping out in my old age.
Well back to the question: I'm looking for suggestions on possible replacement springs that might soften up the ride as much as possible. I don't even care who makes them at this point. I appreciate any ideas you might have.
Thanks,
Brad
69 LeMans Blue L36 Vert 4spd Side Exhaust No-AC

[Wayne W.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

I would make absolutely sure the springs are installed up in the spring towers correctly. That hard ride is a classic sympton of improper install.

I have F41s on my 67 BB and it rides very nice.

[Brad H.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

Thanks Wayne! I have double-checked that and they are oriented correctly and are seated.
Brad

[Alan S.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

Hi Brad,
Is there ANY possibility that this ride problem is a shock absorber issue and not a spring issue?
Regards,
Alan

[Wayne W.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

I am not talking about the clocking, but the way they go up in the tower. They should have a distinct bow out in the middle. If they are straight looking, they are not in the socket and will act exactly as you state.

Thanks Wayne! I have double-checked that and they are oriented correctly and are seated.
Brad

[Joe L.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

Thanks Wayne! I have double-checked that and they are oriented correctly and are seated.
Brad

Brad------


It is very difficult to assess if the springs are properly seated with the springs fully installed in the car. The curvature that Wayne is talking about can be clearly seen in photos posted in another thread titled "Correct Front Springs for a 65 going for judging". Even though the photos are of a C2, your 69 springs should show this same curvature if installed properly.

[Brad H.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

Thanks Joe,
I'll check it again.
Brad

[Richard M.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

Brad------


It is very difficult to assess if the springs are properly seated with the springs fully installed in the car. The curvature that Wayne is talking about can be clearly seen in photos posted in another thread titled "Correct Front Springs for a 65 going for judging". Even though the photos are of a C2, your 69 springs should show this same curvature if installed properly.

Joe, That's a great reference.....Here's a clickable link to that thread......Rich

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?107518-Correct-Front-Springs-for-a-65-going-for-judging&p=719012#post719012

[Brad H.]

Re: Question on front springs for 69 bb

Joe and Richard,
Thanks for the reference! I'll take a look at my car and see how the springs look.
Brad