dworsman

I need to replace the rear cross member on my '61. Since I need to disconnect the leaf spring shackles I figured I would replace the springs, shockes, and other warn parts at the same time.

Should I rebuild the springs or replace them. The price of leaf springs vary from $100 on up to $400 plus. The rebuild kit is around $140 for both springs. I guess you could say it's a no brainer but I'm notsure if the existing springs are worth rebuilding. The leafs have exterior rust but I have no idea if there are any problems between the leafs or how difficult it is to do the rebuild.

Also, why such a vary in prices? Corvette Central as with most other vendors are around $120 per spring. Eaton is out of sight. I know expensive hobby, but I can't understand the wide spread on cost. My car is a driver.

Thanks before hand.

Dave

Plasticman

If your Vette sits at the right hgt., I would just rebuild them. Too many guys have been unhappy after they put on new springs and found it sat too high, etc.

But if the ride hgt. is off side to side in the rear, or is just too low, then that answers your question!

Plasticman

JohnZ

If they're the original springs (longitudinal groove in the leaves), I'd rebuild them, as that strip stock isn't available any more and nobody makes a correct reproduction. Eatons are the best replacements, but the leaves will be flat (as will anyone else's).

Dave K.

I had mine rearched and rebuilt. I am glad I kept the original grooved springs and they work well.

Frankie the Fink

Rebuild 'em...

Check out this article - you can't get properly built reproduction C1 springs anymore:
http://www.vetteclub.org/technicalti...ton_Spring.pdf

I don't get the price variance either .. for instance I've seen a 30% difference in price on a repro package tray for my '61...I doubt the difference in quality justifies that; the all might come from the same fabricater anyway.

Another reason I avoid Eckler's nowadays.

dworsman

Great article. It looks like I'll keep the ones I have on the car. Any idea on the cost of re arching and rebuilding. Any suggestions on shops that perform this service. I live in MA.

Again thanks,
Dave

Frankie the Fink

As I am in Florida I don't have much knowledge of MA (except for Army time in the '70s at Ft. Devens !). I don't know the cost of a 'real' rearching per the article either.

I do know that if they just bend the springs you will save money but be in the same boat in a short time due to sagging.

Coves4me

dworsman, I went through this last year on my 59 and after all of the smoke cleared, the guilt vanished, my finances were reviewed, and a phone call to Eaton Springs was made, I decided to go with rear springs sold through a Kansas City spring vendor who purchased the springs through J. R. Spring Company of Michigan. NO, they don't have the groove steel leaves....BUUUUUUUUUUUT (tribute to DZAUTO), they were half the price Eaton wanted and fit perfectly at the correct ride height. I went with the 5-leaf versions and am very happy with them. Eaton Springs actually advised me against re-arching the originals due to the cost and labor involved!! Since I didn't have the correct oil drain bolt installed in my oil pan, I figured my chances for a correct NCRS restoration were down the toilet anyway!!

wmf62

i also have the springs from the spring place in Kansas; no problem, and VERY affordable...
Bill

jtranger

What is the name and phone of the spring shop in Kansas? Thanks

wmf62

http://www.generalspringkc.com/index.php

Bill

jtranger

Thanks Bill!

dworsman

The tech from Corvette Central told me they buy thier springs from JR Spring as well. The guy in Kansas is $20 cheaper per spring. hmmmmm

wmf62

and your point is?
Bill

dworsman

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

dworsman

Bill,

no point really other than some one from an earlier post mention Corvette Central springs were made in India.

1961TUX

I bought a set of springs from Corvette Central and they looked nice but I couldn't put them on my car because they were stenciled "MADE IN MALAYSIA". I sent them back and ordered ones from Eaton Spring. I feel better they were made here by a fellow American.

wmf62

i did a pretty good search when i was looking for springs for my 62; Eaton was the most expensive and GeneralSpringKC was the cheapest (and i believe they get their springs from JR Spring, but they will also make up a 'custom' set for you themselves. i had a driver's side spring made with about an 1-1/2" more arch in the rear half), with JCWhitney, Corvette Central, Paragon, etc all strung out in the middle. with the possible exception of Eaton, most everyones spring leaves seem to be made out of country and the springs assembled in the US. i went with Generalspringkc and am satisfied.
Bill

dworsman

Bill,

Thanks. Is there any value for my old springs?

Dave

wmf62

if they are the 'grooved' ones, someone might want them to re-arch/rebuild; otherwise i'd say no...
Bill