E.T.D. Corvettes

I took off hard this afternoon in my '62 and heard a "clunk" sound. Went back and found a piece of my leaf spring. This is what my spring looks like now. Being my first 1st Gen Corvette, I'd like to know what caused this and what I need to do in order to make sure this doesn't happen again. Also, where should I buy new springs from? Should I replace anything else while I'm doing this? Thanks!

Nowhere Man

I would say that is metal fatigue after all it's over 50 years old.

E.T.D. Corvettes

Should I replace the springs with the regular springs or heavy duty springs? What else do I need to know?

grif54

I am not sure where the best place is to buy one, but I would replace both of them at the same time. The car may sit a little "lopsided" because the old side has lost some of its "spring" and would sit lower than the new one. You will also have new bushings and spring on both sides. Not sure but you still might be able to buy those leafs from NAPA, or other parts store. And if it matters, I would agree that it is just fatigue from age, but you should get under there and check everything out under the rear to make sure everything is tight and intact. Good Luck

grif54

Just saw your last post. If your car is stock, the regular leafs should be just fine.

E.T.D. Corvettes

Thanks for the input. Yes, it is stock. Would there be a difference in the ride between regular vs heavy duty?

grif54

I honestly do not know on Corvettes but on most other leaf spring cars a heavy duty spring will ride a bit rougher and raise it up. Your car will likely ride a little higher with new regular springs because of the age of the old ones. They lose their arch over time. I tried to get by with it one time on a Chevy truck that only had 70,000 miles and had to replace the other side because it sat lopsided.

AZDoug

Too many past burnouts, too much rust, ah, well.

Get a new set of springs, one new set for reach side.

Add some slapper bars or Traction Masters, or something so your new springs don't do this again (they will if you do burnouts).

Unless you have wide tires that may contact the fenders, you won't need HD springs.

Doug

66jack

Eaton....

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

wmf62

I got mine from these folks

http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_...tte_s/1859.htm

Bill

65GGvert

As far as what can you do to keep it from happening again, place a brick under the gas pedal.

DZAUTO

Your bent/broken spring is not all that uncommon. Especially after years of use and abuse.

In your picture, the tire may be in the way, but does your car still have the factory traction bars (radius rods)?
They will look like the upper bars in the picture (the lower bar is aftermarket from Traction Master). These were standard on ALLLLLLLLLLLL 59-62 Vettes

corvetteed

Yup, I agree w/this. When I had the springs replaced on my 58 I made sure to get them both done. Didn't want that lopsided look I've seen some others have. As to where, I just went to a local guy I've used for some other work. Its not that hard, and most parts stores can get them.

C-1 Generation 2

While your at changing the springs you might want to check the top brackets for the radius rods. The weld broke on mine once. I actually broke one radius rod too.


I also use Traction Master traction bars similar to DZAUTO. Mine clamp on the leaf spring in the front.

3JsVette

MOXIE62

Not sure if you are into numbers but the bottom spring leaf has a date, part number stamped on it. More then likely the bottom spring is not damaged. If it was my car I would purchased 2 new standard springs and replace the bottom spring leaf with the original numbered one.

Kerrmudgeon

I'm just curious to know if you are running the original style rebound straps on your car. I can see how excessive axle travel over years might possibly weaken the springs.

E.T.D. Corvettes

Thanks to everyone for the very helpful information and comments!



I'll have to take a look and let you know. Thanks!

Old Blazer

I bought my springs from Tracy Performance at Bloomington many years ago. I see they have a used set on that auction site for $150 now.

E.T.D. Corvettes

Looks like no radius rods on my car. Is there anything else that anyone sees in the photos that I should address while I'm replacing the springs? Thanks!