Author Topic: Replace sagging leaf springs  (Read 5798 times)

jack

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 48
  • 69 camaro SS
    • View Profile
Replace sagging leaf springs
« on: October 22, 2013, 01:41:20 AM »
Hi Everyone,

Got a 1969 Camaro SS convertible Multi-leaf springs that is sagging. Where should I get my leafs? Do I go for Show Correct Leafs or just simple replacements?

Thanks

68camaroz28

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2232
    • View Profile
Re: Replace sagging leaf springs
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2013, 02:09:38 AM »
That question depends on what you want with the car! Some want the correct how it came from the factory look and others do not need or wish to spend the extra $$$$.
Camaro Specialties (Camaro.com) and Heartbeat City Camaro (probably others as well) sell the factory correct leaf spring packages.
Eaton Detroit Spring sell replacement leaf springs at an affordable price but you give up the factory look.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
68 Corv 427/400 Orig motor
07 Corv Z06
R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

69Z28-RS

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5778
  • owner since 4-Apr-1976
    • View Profile
Re: Replace sagging leaf springs
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2013, 02:54:29 AM »
there are shops that can supposedly 're-arch' leaf springs, but since I haven't had it performed I cannot recommend it, as I am not certain everyone who does it knows what they are doing.. :)
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

z28z11

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1853
    • View Profile
Re: Replace sagging leaf springs
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2013, 03:27:35 AM »
there are shops that can supposedly 're-arch' leaf springs, but since I haven't had it performed I cannot recommend it, as I am not certain everyone who does it knows what they are doing.. :)

There are commercial shops that do this locally (Nashville,TN); we have a shop that does this for trucks and automotive applications, Nashville Spring Service, that specializes in rebuilding springs. Never heard any complaints about them, but I have not personally had the chance to use them (yet). Key component to the re-arching process involves shot peening/shot blasting after re-arching - supposedly extends the life of the springs many fold. Considering the cost of show quality springs, I'm going to try this as a first option before shelling out bigger bucks -

Regards,
Steve
1968 Z28 M21/U17 BRG/W 1967 Chevy ll Nova SS 
1969 Z28 X77/M20/VE3 LeMans/W
1969 L78 X66/N66 Cortez/BVT
1969 Z11 L48/M35/C60/C06  1949 3100 5wd 235/6

KevinW

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 857
    • View Profile
Re: Replace sagging leaf springs
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2013, 11:02:31 AM »
I have had my original monos re-arched by a local truck spring repair shop.  I put new Eaton monos on there 1st (stock height), but did not like the stance (rear down) and the fact that they did not have the correct taper.  So despite the warning about them not lasting a year or breaking when being re-arched, I had them do a set 1.5" over stock (they had all the stock spring specs) for $1 a pound, came to around $55 total for both springs.  Since they are a rough commercial spring shop, they did not finish them except for spraying some black protective coating.  I stripped that off and applied some cast blast.  That was around 4 years ago and no noticable sagging.  Car still rides right where it was when I had them done (R&H spring, wall, nj) I had a friend that needed factory springs for his COPO, he took a bunch of my spare broken multis to them and they rebuilt them and he is very happy with them. I highly recommend them.  For multi-leaf I would expect the process to be similar, but you have to make sure your plastic spacers are in good shape and make sure they reuse them.  The metal strap that holds the leaf pack will probably have to be replaced as well as the center bolt.

jack

  • Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 48
  • 69 camaro SS
    • View Profile
Re: Replace sagging leaf springs
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2013, 05:14:59 PM »
Thanks for the responses.

I will go for the show correct leafs...

sixt9x33rs

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 980
    • View Profile
Re: Replace sagging leaf springs
« Reply #6 on: October 25, 2013, 03:37:41 AM »
there are shops that can supposedly 're-arch' leaf springs, but since I haven't had it performed I cannot recommend it, as I am not certain everyone who does it knows what they are doing.. :)

I have had three sets re-arched at Spring Service in Charlotte NC and all three were dead on. I had the set re-arched on my Gold Z in 2008 and they are still spot on no re-sagging as some have reported after a few years.
If the leafs are not broken I would re-arch them. JMO
'69 RS Z/28 65B, 711 Flat hood no spoiler, endura, 4:10 43K miles
69 X77 Z/28 69 69 711 Original Paint Unrestored (Sold)
'69 X66 Convertible 69B 712 auto, (Sold) 44K miles