TD's new rear spring

[deltadave]

My TD has a narrowed 64 Corvette rear and the spring was weak with a broken leaf. I remembered my brothers Vette had a composit spring, so I thought why not. Checked the Vette aftermarket and found several available, but a $600 plus price tag was not in my budget. I would have to shorten it anyway and may destroy it in the process. I found a used one from an 85 on EBAY for $50 and went at it. Cut it off to the proper length, drilled the ends,bought new bolts and it went together like factory. The composit spring is a bit softer than steel so it's not too stiff in the MG.


My jig saw with a hardwood blade easily cut the composit and a drum sander on a dremel did the fit up chore. The factory metal protectors were also relocated and glued to the cut off ends.

The unibit doesn't chip the material like a twist drill,and I don't have one that big anyway.

the finished product

[BlownMGB-V8]

Very nice.

JB

[DiDueColpi]

Dave,

I would have predicted disaster.
Pretty handy to know that it works.
Good on ya for trying it out.
And nicely done.

Cheers
Fred

[deltadave]

Hey Fred
I've worked with carbon-fiber and it splinters sometimes when cut. I made a few test cuts on the end of the spring before attacking full bore. I'm amazed how east it was. Really not sure what the composit is.
take care, Dave

[theonlyiceman53]

Hey Dave,
Nice job on the changeover!  I'm a firm believer in the Vette springs. The one in the SBC MGB has been in there several years but of course it's a Vette front end!  Attached is the one that's in a Spitfire. You can see the cut off spring laying on the mount.   That one just fired up last week and should be ready for a spin in the next few weeks ( if work permits ).  There is also one in the BBC MGB that hopefully will be up and running sometime after the Spit.  The springs are light and easy to work with.  The mounting can be a bit of a chore, at least in a Spitfire!  

Bill

[deltadave]

Bill
Good work. Looks like you know a lot more about these springs than I do. You're right, the're super light and easier to cut than steel.
Dave