Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

[Ralph S.]

They are from a 1972 small block, have been sitting in my basement for 40 years. Can you buy the correct springs anymore

[Russ S.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

40 years. That means they were put in the basement when new. How did they get pitted? If it is only surface rust, of course they are worth saving. I would think even with pitting they are worth saving.

[Robert E.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

Any idea what risks there maybe in restoring these springs for use?

[Ralph S.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

They were under a table in a damp part of the basement, kind of forgot they were there. Are they worth saving? can you buy the correct springs anymore.

[Terry M.]

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

Ralph,

Springs (coil or leaf) are very sensitive to wire diameter or leaf thickness -- thus any corrosion much beyond surface rust can result in a decreased ride height, and potential cracking due to the corrosion. As to whether any of that is actually a factor with these springs would require a metallurgical test that is probably beyond most of us. If I really wanted to use those springs I would install them without doing much to them, check the ride height after using them for a while -- drive the car a bit and see how they "settle out." If that was OK then refinishing would be my next step. A lot of work? Sure. That is the price of an accurate restoration. Of course if one feels lucky, as Harry Callahan said ….

BTW: I have no direct experience with reproduction springs, but I have seen some unfortunate results on the show field. I have been campaigning (so far unsuccessfully) for over a decade to get a line item on the score sheets for ride height. Maybe about the time I get that the aftermarket suppliers will have solved their ride height issues. Then again I might pass first or Hell might freeze over.

I think you can find the right springs but have to know what to look for. I think many people just order heavy duty,BB or AC springs without checking what spring realy came on the car. On needs to find the correct # of coils,dia. & hight of the spring. Also just changing the front & not the rear on C-2 & 3'S will make the Corvette set funny. You need to change front & rear.
KEN

[Domenic T.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

Ralph,
Save them, imagine what they would look like if they were compressed for 40 years and out in the WX.

I had the same and sent them out to be powder coated.

DOM

[Dick W.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

If I were to use them, I probably would shot peen them prior to installation.

[Steve L.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

How about a picture? A close-up of a typical section of a surface. It should be in focus as well.
This will get you a lot more informed feedback.

[Terry M.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

How about a picture? A close-up of a typical section of a surface. It should be in focus as well.
This will get you a lot more informed feedback.

Here you go Steve. Since Mark and I are Ralph's designated picture posters -- Ralph is photographically challenged.

rusty springs.jpg

[Bill M.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

Those look to be '64-'67 variable rate springs...AFAIK, '68 and later have equally spaced coils.

[Tom L.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

The springs from my '72 big block are also progressive rate springs, not sure when that ended.

[Ralph S.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

They have the green tags on them 3931823 They came from a 1972 LT-1

[Bill M.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

The springs from my '72 big block are also progressive rate springs, not sure when that ended.

OK guys, thanks for the correction.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Are original pitted rusty front coil springs worth saving

Ralph,

I would glass bead, paint and use them. I have a set of 1968 BB springs from a 400hp car and they may be the same part #3931823, (I will check).