Author Topic: Correct 69 Z/28 Coil Springs (Read 25653 times)

69Z28freak · « **on:** May 12, 2013, 05:29:07 AM »

Here are the coils springs that came out of my car on the left. The ones on the right are the ones I was planning to put in my car. The ones on the right are small block springs and the ones on the left are the factory 6 cylinder springs. The 6 cylinder springs are longer than the V8 springs. I am wondering which springs to use in my car. I don't want my car to sit any lower in the front than it was with the 6 cylinder motor. Just curious what the experts know about coil spring rates and ride height etc.

ZLP955 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2013, 09:00:26 AM »

Some good reading on spring rates and suggestions on replacement spring part numbers HERE. I put Hotchkis 1907F springs in my car, but the engine and trans are currently out, so I can't confirm what the ride height is, relative to stock. However, they are 2" lower than stock on paper, so probably not what you're looking for.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2013, 09:47:47 AM »

Quote from: ZLP955 on May 12, 2013, 09:00:26 AM

Some good reading on spring rates and suggestions on replacement spring part numbers HERE. I put Hotchkis 1907F springs in my car, but the engine and trans are currently out, so I can't confirm what the ride height is, relative to stock. However, they are 2" lower than stock on paper, so probably not what you're looking for.

Thanks Tim. Good information.

BillOhio · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2013, 04:27:45 PM »

I had a set of small block springs from HBC and the car sat almost as high as it does with the motor out. I looked up david pozzi's site and it has alot of good info with moog part numbers. If your doing a z, they sat lower than a small block car.
http://www.pozziracing.com/camaro_spring_info.htm

69Z28freak · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2013, 08:14:13 PM »

Quote from: BillOhio on May 12, 2013, 04:27:45 PM

I had a set of small block springs from HBC and the car sat almost as high as it does with the motor out. I looked up david pozzi's site and it has alot of good info with moog part numbers. If your doing a z, they sat lower than a small block car.
http://www.pozziracing.com/camaro_spring_info.htm

Interesting. I did not know that Z/28's sat lower than other small block cars. I have seen however several restored Z/28's that sat quite high.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2013, 09:56:19 PM »

check out UPC 0 Sheet A10 in the '69 AIM. It has several measures whch shows the height differences. It's from minimal to less than an inch, but it is enough to be noticeable eg as compared to a typical SS/V8 camaro.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2013, 10:55:23 PM »

Quote from: 69Z28-RS on May 12, 2013, 09:56:19 PM

check out UPC 0 Sheet A10 in the '69 AIM. It has several measures whch shows the height differences. It's from minimal to less than an inch, but it is enough to be noticeable eg as compared to a typical SS/V8 camaro.

THANKS GARY I will check it out.

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #7 on:** May 14, 2013, 04:57:00 PM »

Bob Harris stated that if springs from him were installed(front as well) then the car will sit correctly.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #8 on:** May 15, 2013, 04:45:49 AM »

Quote from: firstgenaddict on May 14, 2013, 04:57:00 PM

Bob Harris stated that if springs from him were installed(front as well) then the car will sit correctly.

Thanks James. I think I have the Bob Harris rear Leafs, at least they appear to be the same visually as his units. The coil springs going in my car are the front coil springs that came out of the 04 C 10/10 RS Z/28, with several other parts as you already know.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #9 on:** May 16, 2013, 04:24:51 AM »

I like this ride height. Not sure if this is correct, but this is what I hope I am going to get with the coil spring leaf spring combo that I have.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #10 on:** May 16, 2013, 08:37:57 AM »

These pics also show the stance I like. Assuming these cars were restored to a showroom stance.

ban617 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2013, 01:10:12 AM »

looks a lot higher than mine

69Z28freak · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2013, 01:24:51 AM »

Quote from: ban617 on May 21, 2013, 01:10:12 AM

looks a lot higher than mine

Can you post a picture of yours. I am looking for a restored to original ride height photo, since an original car would be sitting much lower I would assume.

ban617 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2013, 04:04:10 AM »

well the car that I have is the one Van/ Chevy Thunder on TC its Daytona Yellow VanNuys car .There are over a hundred pics of it I don't know how to post pics sorry the thread on tc is 1969 Z/28 dated oct 8 8 scroll down the page and he has a link to the photos ...Many many photos of my car there ..

Kelley W King · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2013, 12:11:56 PM »

I have a 69 SS big block (52k) and a 69 Z (64k). They are sitting side by side in my shop. The Z is noticeably lower by about an inch.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2013, 02:40:48 PM »

Kelley,

That is consistent with my memory from when there were hundreds of these cars running around on the street..

69Z28freak · « **Reply #16 on:** May 22, 2013, 05:42:48 PM »

Quote from: Kelley W King on May 22, 2013, 12:11:56 PM

I have a 69 SS big block (52k) and a 69 Z (64k). They are sitting side by side in my shop. The Z is noticeably lower by about an inch.

Any photos available?

69Z28freak · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2013, 12:12:41 AM »

I just got my coil spring blasted and I am wondering if I should paint them or clear them. I have seen a lot of restored cars that seem to have the same color springs as mine after blasting. What would be the best or correct finish to use. I don't want to leave them bare as they will rust.

Sauron327 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2013, 01:20:04 AM »

Sandblasting does not produce an original color. New springs don't look like that.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #19 on:** May 23, 2013, 02:19:11 AM »

Quote from: Sauron327 on May 23, 2013, 01:20:04 AM

Sandblasting does not produce an original color. New springs don't look like that.

How about a picture of what they should look like.

Sauron327 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 23, 2013, 02:33:59 AM »

Quote from: 69Z28freak on May 23, 2013, 02:19:11 AM

Quote from: Sauron327 on May 23, 2013, 01:20:04 AM
Sandblasting does not produce an original color. New springs don't look like that.

How about a picture of what they should look like.

If I had one on file I would have posted it. Did you search this site? Plenty of reference of many parts if you use the advanced search function. If you've never been exposed to various materials then you'd have no idea what they look like before or after the manufacturing processes. Take a stroll through your steel supplier or a local spring shop.

69Z28freak · « **Reply #21 on:** May 23, 2013, 02:46:21 AM »

Quote from: Sauron327 on May 23, 2013, 02:33:59 AM

Quote from: 69Z28freak on May 23, 2013, 02:19:11 AM
Quote from: Sauron327 on May 23, 2013, 01:20:04 AM
Sandblasting does not produce an original color. New springs don't look like that.

How about a picture of what they should look like.
If I had one on file I would have posted it. Did you search this site? Plenty of reference of many parts if you use the advanced search function. If you've never been exposed to various materials then you'd have no idea what they look like before or after the manufacturing processes. Take a stroll through your steel supplier or a local spring shop.

Since I am doing a restored car I am looking for a pic of restored coils. The new ones from HBC for example look similar in finish to mine. So of the nicer restoration jobs I have seen also look similar. Original cars on the hand is another story.

scoop · « **Reply #22 on:** May 24, 2013, 02:17:27 AM »

I treated both by front coil springs and rear leafs with Sharkhide, It wipes on clear and leaves no buildup and will not rust. Really great on parts that flex. The finish soaks in so will not crack or fade. Here is a picture. I have pictures of my rear springs on another thread here. I don' know how to link to it. Thanks, Scoop

69Z28freak · « **Reply #23 on:** May 24, 2013, 03:07:41 AM »

Quote from: scoop on May 24, 2013, 02:17:27 AM

I treated both by front coil springs and rear leafs with Sharkhide, It wipes on clear and leaves no buildup and will not rust. Really great on parts that flex. The finish soaks in so will not crack or fade. Here is a picture. I have pictures of my rear springs on another thread here. I don' know how to link to it. Thanks, Scoop

Thanks Scoop. However my coils have just been blasted, so I am looking to get the original look. Same for the Centrelink. My leaf spring are new Bob Harris units and look pretty correct. I will clean my leafs with lacquer thinner and treat them with Sharkhide. Where did you get it. I don't think it is available in Canada.

Sauron327 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 24, 2013, 02:23:46 PM »

Quote from: scoop on May 24, 2013, 02:17:27 AM

I have pictures of my rear springs on another thread here. I don' know how to link to it. Thanks, Scoop

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9626.45

scoop · « **Reply #25 on:** May 24, 2013, 11:23:59 PM »

Thanks for linking this post for me. You can buy Sharkhide from Eastwood. If you treat your sandblasted front springs They will turn a little darker. I would try it. If you do not like it all you have to do is wipe it off with lacquer thinner. Thanks, Scoop

69Z28freak · « **Reply #26 on:** May 24, 2013, 11:27:07 PM »

Quote from: scoop on May 24, 2013, 11:23:59 PM

Thanks for linking this post for me. You can buy Sharkhide from Eastwood. If you treat your sandblasted front springs They will turn a little darker. I would try it. If you do not like it all you have to do is wipe it off with lacquer thinner. Thanks, Scoop

Will do. Thanks Scoop.

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #27 on:** August 09, 2013, 09:00:40 PM »

Here are Bob Harris's front and rear springs in the car... to me it its perfect

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #28 on:** August 10, 2013, 03:31:18 AM »

to me, it looks between and inch and 2 inches high in front. I expect to see the top of the fender be approx. even with the top of the tire in front sitting on level ground (for Z28s)..

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #29 on:** August 10, 2013, 12:53:22 PM »

Level with the front tire is how it sat before and was entirely to low, looked like it had been lowered.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #30 on:** August 10, 2013, 02:12:45 PM »

It would be very interesting, if you measured the distance from the bottom of the rocker, both sides, at front of rocker and back of rocker. That would give us a good comparison to 'spec'... ? make sure you're on a good level surface to get the best measures with the tires properly inflated.

69Z28 · « **Reply #31 on:** August 10, 2013, 09:35:39 PM »

Here's a shot of my car never been touched height. Looks close to James car height.

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #32 on:** August 11, 2013, 04:22:58 AM »

take a photo on the same plane as the top of the front tire, or do some measurements from the top of the tire to the top lip of the fender. Yours looks closer to 'factory' Z28 than James, but the perspective of your photo makes that hard to see.

firstgenaddict · « **Reply #33 on:** August 11, 2013, 06:58:20 PM »

I'd like to see the height on one which sat unsprung for the last 40 years vs sitting with the suspension compressed.

69Z28 · « **Reply #34 on:** August 12, 2013, 12:50:08 AM »

Quote from: 69Z28-RS on August 11, 2013, 04:22:58 AM

take a photo on the same plane as the top of the front tire, or do some measurements from the top of the tire to the top lip of the fender. Yours looks closer to 'factory' Z28 than James, but the perspective of your photo makes that hard to see.

Hey Gary, you mean mine right?

69Z28-RS · « **Reply #35 on:** August 12, 2013, 02:34:34 AM »

Quote from: firstgenaddict on August 11, 2013, 06:58:20 PM

I'd like to see the height on one which sat unsprung for the last 40 years vs sitting with the suspension compressed.

measure your rocker height and compare to Chevrolet's spec (from the AIM), and let us know...?

69Z28 · « **Reply #36 on:** August 12, 2013, 03:26:25 AM »

Here are the only pics I have of my first 69 Z. This was 1975.

News:

Author Topic: Correct 69 Z/28 Coil Springs (Read 25653 times)