Original OEM C1 Corvettes leaf springs used a very special spring steel style that had a groove running down the middle.
This groove was rolled into the steel as the steel was being made. Over time the tooling wore out and with the replacement cost running several million dollars, GM made the decision not to replace it.
Because of this authentic C1 springs are no longer manufactured.
(Listen to our podcast episode with Franz Estereicher for more of the fascinating history behind Corvette suspensions from the man who made them.)
But fear not – all is not lost.
Very rare do we recommend re-arching springs. However, if you want to keep your C1 Corvettes as close to original as possible, we can do so.
Provided the springs are in reasonably good shape, nothing broke, leaves not pitted, we can re-arch and retemper your groove steel springs to restore your classic C1 Corvette to its original glory.
The cost to do so will more than simply replacing them, but, hey, she is worth it.
Contact us today to arrange the service and restore your Corvette with its original groove-steel springs
Phone: 1 (313) 963-3839 Email: inquiries@eatonsprings.com
Mike,
I have a ’61 Corvette with, I do not believe, the original rear leaf springs.
The spring sets have 5 leaves, the top 4 sets have the same arch and appear to be in very good shape.
The main leaves do not have the same arch.
One is close to spec. with an arch of about 3 3/8″. The other main leaf is almost flat.
My question is: will you re-arch only my 2 main leaves to bring them into spec., or does it make more sense to have 2 new main leaves fabricated?
The re-arch I am referring to is the heat treating re-arch.
Thank you.
Terry
Terry,
If you want to keep them original with the groove, you will have to get them rearched.
The cost would be about the same to rearch or to buy 2 new main leafs but without the grove.
Mike
Mike,
Thanks for the quick answer to my question. Since I don’t believe my rear leaf springs are original and only the main leaves seem to be relaxed, it makes sense to replace only the main leaves with new.
This car is a driver and my main leaves do not have the groove you mentioned.
Thanks
Terry
Mike,
I just received the 2 main springs for my ’61 Corvette; very impressive.
The quality and workmanship were all that I had hoped for.
Thank youTerry
