1960 Leaf Springs

[Joe M.]

i removed my original leaf springs 15 months ago, because I thought they were worn out and the car was lower on drivers side (broken leaf). Replaced them with aftermarket springs. I do not recall taking measurements when the old leaf springs were on the car to compare year 2010 ride height to original ride height shown in Nolan Adam's book.

I have been trying to decide whether to replace the broken leaf and restore both sets or whether it is really worth the expense and time since they are no longer on the car. New ride height in rear is 3" higher than height shown in Nolan Adam's book.

I measured the center line distance from eye to eye on the long leaf and it is 49-3/8 inches, both sets. The limited information I found on the Restorer DVD showed 51 inches. The drop height is 5-1/2 inches on both sets, including the side with broken leaf. Why 49-3/8" instead of 51"? Given these measurements, were the springs worn out?

I really need some feeback, pros and cons. The car is a driver.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Leaf Springs

The long leaf is 51 inches from center line of eye to eye; measured along the curved part of the leaf. This appears to be the correct length for a good leaf. After removing the asphaltic undercoating, I found yellow paint on the back of the rear eyes and evidence of silver paint on the top leaf; as expected.

I disassembled the spring unit with the broken leaf. The waxy dividers were almost disentegrated, but I notice one interesting item that I don't recall reading about . There were four flat head steel "rivets' near the center hole; 2 on each side of the center hole.

What was the purpose of the rivets?

[Troy P.]

Re: 1960 Leaf Springs

I don't ever recall seeing rivets on Corvette springs.

I'm into originality. So I'd have the original grooved springs rebuilt. Eaton Spring does this as well as other spring companies.

I do have some spare leaves and might have one to replace your broken one. If interested let me know which one you need.

[Donald H.]

Re: 1960 Leaf Springs

The long leaf is 51 inches from center line of eye to eye; measured along the curved part of the leaf. This appears to be the correct length for a good leaf. After removing the asphaltic undercoating, I found yellow paint on the back of the rear eyes and evidence of silver paint on the top leaf; as expected.

I disassembled the spring unit with the broken leaf. The waxy dividers were almost disentegrated, but I notice one interesting item that I don't recall reading about . There were four flat head steel "rivets' near the center hole; 2 on each side of the center hole.

What was the purpose of the rivets?

Joe,

The reproduction liners that I got from Paragon also had these rivets. I don't remember if they held something together or not. Been to long now since I put them together. Go to Paragon's online catalog and search for the Leaf Spring Liner Kit and you will see the rivets in the picture.

Don

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Leaf Springs

Thanks Donald. I need the 31 inch long leaf; second from bottom.

Would you reuse the original spring clips? Or use the new ones that come with the rebuild kit?

[Donald H.]

Re: 1960 Leaf Springs

Thanks Donald. I need the 31 inch long leaf; second from bottom.

Would you reuse the original spring clips? Or use the new ones that come with the rebuild kit?

Joe,

I sent you a separate email, I used the new ones if you are talking about the banding retainers. I'm pretty much a newbie, but I don't see a reason you couldn't reused the original is you wanted to. I just didn't think of trying to straighten them up and clean them to reuse.

I hope my springs hold up after what I spent to have them re-arched by Eaton Detroit Springs. The front end of the long springs were curved back the wrong direction. They looked very good when I got them back, but of course give that they were 50 years old, Eaton Detroit will not make any guarantees.

Don.