C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

[Jason P.]

I am putting together my dad's 58 Corvette that he took apart some 30 years ago. I am currently working on the frame and suspension. Looking at the rear leaf springs it occurred to me that the leaf springs don't have what I would call the clamps that clamp all of them together. Shouldn't they be clamped together? Is there a kit I can purchase from Corvette Central and do I need to have a special tool?= to crimp/clamp them together? Can I borrow the tool from Corvette Central?

How difficult of a project is this? I can take the leaf springs off no problem. I counted 4 leaf springs.

Looking for some guidance here.


20230724_200508.jpg

Appreciate the help!

Jason

[Kenneth F.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

Jason,
Perhaps information from the Archives will answer your question.
C-1 leaf spring banding tool (ncrs.org)
Ken

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

Jason, I did them on a '59 with springs installed. Very difficult to get the crimp tool positioned, but doable.

Easiest when off the car. I recommend this method.

Rich

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

Make sure you have 4 original leaves before you go to the trouble of banding them.

[Jason P.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

How would I tell if they are original?

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

Original leaves are center grooved, which appears you have. There is also a date code on the bottom leaf. Take a few photos on the entire underside and closeup of the date code. "E" stands for Eaton so don't confuse that with month of May.

Good reference info in this thread.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?117242-1961-rear-suspension-fixup-advice-needed

[Jason P.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

It appears that I have the original springs. Here is a pic I took.

20230729_134348.jpg

It has the following stamped on it:

3751438

31 8 E

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Leaf Spring Clamp Question

Yes, nice!

Day "31"(Jan 31) of 195"8" "E"aton

You are good. Hopefully no craters in the leaves, the liners are ok and the arc is to spec.