Author Topic: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?  (Read 39071 times)

69Z28freak

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #30 on: March 21, 2013, 08:05:47 AM »
The reason you see different colors on restored cars? Everybody and their brother has tried to duplicate the blue/grey color of original springs. You finally get something you can live with and call it a day. We probably mixed 20 pints of paint trying for a color. The only thing that jumps out at me is you are missing a retainer on the mid rear section of the springs. Mine has 3 where you only have 2. Mike keep in mind I have 5 leaf springs and that maybe the difference. Somebody with 4 leaf setup will let you know

Thanks Daniel. I just want to make sure what the right finish should be before I install them in the car.
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

firstgenaddict

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #31 on: April 22, 2013, 04:10:22 PM »
Picked up a set of Bob Harris' rear leaf springs, here is a side by side comparison to my original 4 leafs.















IMHO the springs are very very nice, only having one set with which to compare leaves normal differences out so I will compare with what I have.
1. The radius's on the rectangle appear to be larger on the originals.
2. The depth of the rectangles appear to be deeper on the originals.
*3. Compared to my originals the Harris Springs appear to be thicker on the tapered end.

*this may  be due to the fact my originals were missing the separator pads and had worn on one another. 

I know many restorers who have their leaves re-arched, they have been extremely happy with the results, if my springs did not have some of the severe pits I would have gone that route.
James
Collectin' Camaro's since "Only Rednecks drove them"
Current caretaker of 1971 LT1's - 11130 and 21783 Check out the Black 69 RS/Z28 45k mile Survivor and the Lemans Blue 69 Z 10D frame off...
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69Z28-RS

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #32 on: April 22, 2013, 04:23:48 PM »
If you have to have 'new' leafs, those appear to be very nice, and very close to the original configuration/look..  Let us know how the car sits when you install them.  Did you measure car height before the old ones were removed for comparison?
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lynnbilodeau

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #33 on: April 22, 2013, 04:39:08 PM »
Those are pretty darn close.  However, what I found, and you have confirmed is that the thickness of the metal used in the rebound clamps is thinner on the repop springs.  That is why I made my own.

However, you are correct, in that my color is just a little light.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/520005/Re_69_Z_28_rear_axle_and_sprin#Post520005

scoop

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #34 on: April 23, 2013, 01:04:57 AM »
As far as a protective finish for the leaf springs I used a product called Sharkhide. It is a clear liquid  that is you apply to bare metal. It goes on like laquer thinner and is absorbed into the metal.The metal will not rust and leaves the natural look. I purchased my springs from Camaro Specialities and cleaned them with laquer thinner to remove all the oil and used an air hose to get everything out from between the leafs. Then I flooded  the Sharkhide between the leafs and again used a air hose to force the sharkhide for complete coverage between the leafes, and then applied it to the rest of the springs and wiped everythng down.  They look geat and you don't have to worry about rust and keeps the natural look. I have not figured out how to post pictures but if anyone wants to see what they look like they can e mail me and I will sent them.   Thanks, Scoop

69Z28-RS

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #35 on: April 23, 2013, 03:28:14 AM »
posting your pix is very easy, Scoop, so long as they are each smaller than 150 KB ; a free software 'light image resizer' works for shrinking them to whatever size you want.  You can include up to 4 images in each post, but the total must be less than 500KB.
if you do a 'reply' to a post, there is an ATTACH button below the text window, which allows you to browse your computer and select the image, or images, you want to attach to your post.
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69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
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scoop

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #36 on: April 24, 2013, 02:20:41 AM »
Thanks for the tip.  I will try to download a couple of pictures of my springs treated with sharkhide.  Thanks again,,, Scoop

69Z28-RS

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #37 on: April 24, 2013, 03:09:46 AM »
I'm glad it helped.    I liked the 'Light Image Resizer' so well, I bought the pro version! 
The springs look very good. 
How long has the treatment been on them?  Have they been exposed to weather, -  heat, or rain at all?
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

69Z28freak

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #38 on: April 24, 2013, 05:11:06 AM »
Hey Jim your springs look just like the ones I bought. I have recently found an original used set that need to be restored as they have a lot of surface rust. I will post some pics of them side by side to compare to yours. Your new ones are dark like mine. Scoops look much lighter. Which is correct as I have seen both finishes.
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

scoop

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #39 on: April 25, 2013, 12:34:10 AM »
I purchased my springs from Camaro Specialties three years ago. I treated them and installed  them and ran the car for two years. Last fall I completely stripped the car for a full restoration. I just re installed them. The pictures are the same spring. I only wiped them down with laquer thinner and applied a fresh coat of Sharkhide. Pictures do not always show exact color.  The sharkhide keeps the original color of the spring. If you see them in person they look llike bare steel. Hope this answers your question. I will send another picture with different light which makes them look a little darker.   Thanks, Scoop

69Z28freak

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #40 on: April 25, 2013, 12:57:38 AM »
Thanks Scoop your car and your springs look great.
Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

69Z28-RS

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #41 on: April 25, 2013, 01:22:05 AM »
Eastwood sells a 'Sharkhide aluminum and metal protectant'..   $60/quart....  Is that what you used Scoop?  just rub it on?  or spray it? or ??
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

scoop

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #42 on: April 27, 2013, 01:31:36 AM »
Yes that is what I used.  You just apply it with a piece of a coton diaper for a real thin layer. If you spray it it will get to heavy.  Sharkhide has a website. I have called and they are very helpful if you have questions or concerns.  If you try it let me know what you think.  Good luck,,, Scoop

69Z28freak

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #43 on: May 13, 2013, 01:55:19 AM »
I also picked up a set of original Z/28 Leaf springs. I plan to restore them along with a CB radiator I purchased as part of the same deal. Here are some pics for comparison between the after market set I purchased and the original ones.



















Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro

69Z28freak

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Re: 69 Z/28 Correct leaf springs, where to buy?
« Reply #44 on: May 13, 2013, 01:55:44 AM »
And a few more pics for comparison.











Mike 1969 Grandma Camaro