now the front springs....

[69z27z87]

15 years ago I replaced the front springs in my 69 big blockwith new ones from Eaton because I thought I had an issue... turns out I did not but fortunately I did save the old one. Now that the full resto is underway, I'd like to re-finish and re-install the originals.

I checked the old ones and they are identical in height. Are there any references out there for the correct unloaded height (length) for the front coil springs so I can check if there is any loss in height to date?

I believe the springs were originally just natural metal finish... I am going to blast and powdercoat (Eastwood). Any recommendations on what color would work best?

All SS cars got the F41 "Heavy Duty Suspension" in 1969 right?

[Steve Shauger]

no F40 was standard.

[69z27z87]

According to Jerry's data book, all big block SS cars got the "heavy duty suspension" setup..... I believe that means F40....as F41 was "special duty suspension" on some rpo lists. Can someone confirm??? Still want the right code for the springs....

Any answers on the best color to use?

[69Z28-RS]

According to Jerry's data book, all big block SS cars got the "heavy duty suspension" setup..... I believe that means F40....as F41 was "special duty suspension" on some rpo lists. Can someone confirm??? Still want the right code for the springs....

Any answers on the best color to use?

k

Coil spring color was *natural*...  raw spring steel...
What was the code on the tag on your springs??   If it happened to be EY I could give you the dimensions..

[69z27z87]

Tag long gone.... I figured out it was HA or EA depending on F40 or 41.

Now what color powder coat is closest to "natural".... That's the trick..

[69Z28-RS]

When I disassembled my front suspension for a refurbishment, I found one of my EY springs had a broken coil (at the bottom), which I didn't know.  so I sent the good EY coil to 'Coil Spring Specialties and spent several months and many phone calls and tests to have them 'duplicate the spring' in all respects (no of coils, dia of coil spring, unloaded height, etc) and with the same or very close spring rate).  PIctures are the two new ones on either side of the original EY spring.  I think you can get an idea of the proper color of the raw spring steel as new from this photo.  Of course, the raw metal would surface rust fairly quickly so I coated my new ones with satin clear to preserve the raw color a bit longer.

[buenymayor]

I'd get a professional opinion about powder coating the springs I had mine powder coated and baking them seems to have "relaxed" them some and my front end sits lower than it did. Maybe baking them didn't have an affect on them, but I've always wondered. Either way. they will be getting changes this winter.

[69z27z87]

I checked around and Eaton Detroit Spring says the magic number is 400F when spring steel begins to soften. At what temp do we powdercoat? 400F....

Funny, I thought Eaton powdercoated their springs...?... Guess I will avoid that with the original springs.


Any other thoughts on standard vs heavy duty stock suspension on the big block SS cars? production numbers lead me to believe it should be the "standard" suspension.... but what is "heavy duty" F40 or F41?

[HawkX66]

Have you seen this? It explains which springs pretty well.

http://www.camaros.org/images/pages/chassis/69_spring_chart.pdf

[69Z28-RS]

I checked around and Eaton Detroit Spring says the magic number is 400F when spring steel begins to soften. At what temp do we powdercoat? 400F....

Funny, I thought Eaton powdercoated their springs...?... Guess I will avoid that with the original springs.


Any other thoughts on standard vs heavy duty stock suspension on the big block SS cars? production numbers lead me to believe it should be the "standard" suspension.... but what is "heavy duty" F40 or F41?

I think most aftermarket spring companies 'coat' their springs so they will be nice and pretty for the customer; Coil Spring Specialties typically coats their custom springs as well, but I asked them not to do so in my case, since I was attempting to duplicate the original EY factory springs.

Depends on what you want to do...

[BillOhio]

David Pozzis website has some good info on springs and which Moog ones cross over.
You need to look under 1st gen info

[69z27z87]

I already worked through the spring data on CRG and I did review the Pozzi info.... I know my additional weight but is it more likely I have the "standard" spring or the "Heavy Duty" spring as shown in the spring tables. Jerry's data book states all big block SS cars have "Heavy Duty" suspensions..... So what tag should I use...304lbs overage on the front.

Given what I have found.. I would like to clean up the original springs... but I have concerns on ground glass blasting the springs... then paint.

[69Z28-RS]

I already worked through the spring data on CRG and I did review the Pozzi info.... I know my additional weight but is it more likely I have the "standard" spring or the "Heavy Duty" spring as shown in the spring tables. Jerry's data book states all big block SS cars have "Heavy Duty" suspensions..... So what tag should I use...304lbs overage on the front.

Given what I have found.. I would like to clean up the original springs... but I have concerns on ground glass blasting the springs... then paint.

What are your concerns?   If I hadn't had a broken spring, I'd definitely have taken that approach with my original coils; glass beading will not harm the springs in any way (except for removing corrosion), and painting is probably 85% as durable as powder coating (and you have more control over the color/coating, and at less expense)...

[69z27z87]

we say "glass beading" but the stronger grits are really ground glass with sharper edges... My blast cabinet has 40-70 grit glass in it. It removes rust and leaves a slight texture. Some lesser grit glass almost polishes the surface with less material removal....

[Edgemontvillage]

I needed a set of replacement springs for my 1969 RS Z project so I contacted EATON Detroit Spring who I've dealt with in the past with good results. When I tried to place an order for a set of EY springs EDS stated that all their springs are now shipped with a powder coat finish in either grey or black (you don't get a choice). I asked them to ship me a set in unfinished / uncoated steel however they refused and wouldn't accept a custom order either. I noted that a fellow CRG member Gary W. (69Z28-RS) had done a lot of work (painstaking actually) specing a replacement set of springs for his 69 RS Z, which, coincidentally is almost exactly the same as mine, so I contacted Gary who graciously provided me all the information I needed to order the same set from Coil Springs Specialities in St Mary's KS.  CSS was very accommodating and shipped my (custom) order in a couple of weeks at about the same price as EDS charges for a stock order. The coil springs arrived last week and they look terrific. The shipping box was a bit flimsy however the springs  arrived undamaged. The proof will be in the fit and stance however I'm impressed so far.