The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Cleaning up coil springs

Getting into my first restoration project. I have a 66 C10 LWB step side. I've searched the site but can't find specific info. Is it worth trying to clean up (rust) the coil springs or just buy new. If cleaning is a good option, any advice on the best way to do it.

Welcome to the Stovebolt! Buying new is easy but my 1965 C10 springs were in good condition and I saved money by restoring mine. I can say that my springs cleaned up very nicely too. Here's what I did.
Washed, then 150 grit sandpaper and a wire brush to get the rust scale off. I then painted the springs with POR-15. There are other products that will do the same thing, so it doesn't need to be POR-15. Then I sprayed low gloss black Rustoleum engine paint (not semi-gloss). I used the same process for my frame, suspension and trailing arms.

After all, the springs are gonna see a lot of road grime, so how "pretty" they look is a matter of preference.

Front suspension 1

Front suspension 2

Front Suspension 3

Front suspension 4

Rear spring.

Show us some pictures of what you have! Please!

Also worth mentioning; the factory springs are better than replacements. The OEM coils are progressive wound, thus you get a better ride and load capacity.

Notice in the photo Lugnutz posted how the coils are closer to each other in the center, and farther apart on the ends: Rear spring.

I haven't found any aftermarket coils for our trucks that are progressive.

Hope that helps.

John

Thanks for the responses. I just ordered the small starter kit of POR15 to try it. I was concerned if almost 50 yr old springs were simply wore out and should be replaced anyway. I have noticed that none of the replacement rear springs that I've seen are wound the same as the OE. So thanks for the affirmation, John.

I'm working on getting some pictures up. I'll post them in a new thread introducing my project.

What was the stance of your truck when it was all together? If it was level (side to side) and had some rake (rear higher tha front) the springs are likely still good to go.

As long as somebody didn't load the truck and leave it sit that way for years the OEM coil springs should be good to go.

Yes. Level and slightly higher in the rear. Cleaning them up today.

Sorry to piggyback, but the photo of Lugnutz rear spring raises a question. Our 66 Suburban has heavy duty rear suspension, according to the label on the glovebox door. My rear springs are basically like Lugnutz's, except the center 3 coils are touching each other, no gap between the coils. Are these the heavy duty springs, or is something wrong? I have never seen a picture of the HD springs. I was also told that they will make it ride rough, and I shoud put in a standard pair, which I happen to have. Any comments appreciated.
Thank you.

Here as some C20 springs. Note the center coils are closer, but not touching.

C20 Springs (3/4 Ton)

Here's my rear springs right after removal

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nfb2mhcelwdeors/2014-04-17%2018.43.57.jpg

Your link doesn't work. Nothing there.

coker91, yes, your springs look a lot like mine, but mine are still compressed in the vehicle, and those 3 center coils are contacting each other. The rest of the coils seem fine. One of these days, I will have to take the time so I can post a picture. Do you have the Heavy Duty suspension, and happen to remember, or have a picture of what they looked like before you took them out? There should be a label on the inside of the glove box door, with the various build sheet items, that would list the HD suspension, if so.
Thanks for your help.

I struck out on both. No picture of the springs in the truck. I can tell you that none of the coils were touching while in the truck.
My build plate is only partially there now. Can't see anything on it about HD suspension but again it's partially missing