Help needed with custom leaf spring build

Woodfin · 03-01-2023, 07:55 PM

Fellow builders and racers,

I am considering installing leaf springs and Caltracs under a 1975 Vette. I know it has been done not only with Vettes but other cars that did not originally have leaf springs.

With the Vette, when changing to a solid rear axle, my initial measurements show it would require a minimum amount of cutting and fabricating to do so. I can do the modifications and I think it would be the ideal solution for this specific build.

The help I need is locating the front spring eye. If some of you have a leaf spring/Caltrac setup I would like to know:

*Height of front spring eye off the ground
*Height of rear spring eye off the ground

With those measurements I should be able to build mounts that will properly locate the spring, and thus, properly locate the Caltracs.

Photos and dimensions will be ideal. If you need my email send a PM.

Larry Hill · 03-02-2023, 07:55 AM

Does the spring have to be in stock location?

Woodfin · 03-02-2023, 08:35 AM

Larry, no, the Vette has a transverse rear spring. This is a custom build, installing a leaf spring where one never was. I "think" custom mounts will be installing inside the Vette frame for front the front eye and a slider mount installed inside the rear frame.

This build up is my personal no e, footbrake, bracket toy. It will have an LS engine, 350 trans, 29.5x10.5W bias tire. The performance will be 5.90's in the 1/8 range.

I have also considered installing ladder bars, but the leaf spring, Caltrac deal will be the most compact, least about of modifications to the Vette frame and body. Because the Vette is small, space is of a premium.

Check the post I have going "Four link for Vette" on page three, a post by Ron Miller, has a photo of a Vette owned by Shawn Finn. Expand that photo and you will see it is equipped the leaf springs and Caltracs.

I have found Shawn Finn on Facebook and made contact with him but so far, we have not been able to exchange information, although I think we eventually will.

I have also talked the John Calvert, he explains that once I determine the spring mounting points he can provide the proper spring.

At this point, I plan to build a front spring eye bracket with four holes, thus, allowing ride height adjustment. Then with the spring mounted to the axle housing, the rear slider will be located.

Stand by for more and pics.

Now, back to my original question, if someone with a Camaro or Nova could give the me the front and rear spring eye to ground dimensions it would let me see if I am in the ball park with my design.

340Cuda · 03-02-2023, 01:03 PM

You might give Calvert a call, they may have some ideas for you, don't know.

Ralph A Powell · 03-02-2023, 01:07 PM

Eaton Springs in Detroit makes leaf springs they have the blueprints for all the old Muscle cars they do coil springs also.

Ralph A Powell · 03-02-2023, 01:18 PM

Eaton Detroit Spring
1555 Michigan Ave
Detroit, Mi 48216
313-963-3839
eatondetroitspring.com

Mark Yacavone · 03-02-2023, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodfin

Now, back to my original question, if someone with a Camaro or Nova could give the me the front and rear spring eye to ground dimensions it would let me see if I am in the ball park with my design.

I think you might want the following:
Camaro or Nova sitting with jackstands under the housing and the rocker panel level with the floor.
Then you'll want all three measurements, including the axle center line to the floor, for comparison purposes.
The Camaro, Nova, and Chevy II , all had the axle at the same height as the top of the rocker panel (the bottom of the door). The spring eye bolt is very close to the flange at the bottom of the rocker panel
Lots of those cars are higher now though, for tire clearance, etc.

Yes, I've air chiselled out quite a few of them ;-)

Woodfin · 03-03-2023, 07:56 PM

Thanks to each of you for the feedback. After pondering and measuring I have decided to install a 32" ladder bar. This can be done with a minimum amount of cutting and modifying of the body and frame. It will allow a 29.5 x 10.5W tire which will handled the power and performance I have planned.

03-01-2023, 07:55 PM	#1
Woodfin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 539 Likes: 8 Liked 280 Times in 108 Posts	Help needed with custom leaf spring build Fellow builders and racers, I am considering installing leaf springs and Caltracs under a 1975 Vette. I know it has been done not only with Vettes but other cars that did not originally have leaf springs. With the Vette, when changing to a solid rear axle, my initial measurements show it would require a minimum amount of cutting and fabricating to do so. I can do the modifications and I think it would be the ideal solution for this specific build. The help I need is locating the front spring eye. If some of you have a leaf spring/Caltrac setup I would like to know: Height of front spring eye off the ground Height of rear spring eye off the ground With those measurements I should be able to build mounts that will properly locate the spring, and thus, properly locate the Caltracs. Photos and dimensions will be ideal. If you need my email send a PM.

03-02-2023, 07:55 AM	#2
Larry Hill Live Reporter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hickory, Ky Posts: 10,641 Likes: 1,940 Liked 10,714 Times in 2,230 Posts	Re: Help needed with custom leaf spring build Does the spring have to be in stock location? __________________ IHM Used Parts https://ihmusedparts.com 888-821-1817

03-02-2023, 08:35 AM	#3
Woodfin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 539 Likes: 8 Liked 280 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Help needed with custom leaf spring build Larry, no, the Vette has a transverse rear spring. This is a custom build, installing a leaf spring where one never was. I "think" custom mounts will be installing inside the Vette frame for front the front eye and a slider mount installed inside the rear frame. This build up is my personal no e, footbrake, bracket toy. It will have an LS engine, 350 trans, 29.5x10.5W bias tire. The performance will be 5.90's in the 1/8 range. I have also considered installing ladder bars, but the leaf spring, Caltrac deal will be the most compact, least about of modifications to the Vette frame and body. Because the Vette is small, space is of a premium. Check the post I have going "Four link for Vette" on page three, a post by Ron Miller, has a photo of a Vette owned by Shawn Finn. Expand that photo and you will see it is equipped the leaf springs and Caltracs. I have found Shawn Finn on Facebook and made contact with him but so far, we have not been able to exchange information, although I think we eventually will. I have also talked the John Calvert, he explains that once I determine the spring mounting points he can provide the proper spring. At this point, I plan to build a front spring eye bracket with four holes, thus, allowing ride height adjustment. Then with the spring mounted to the axle housing, the rear slider will be located. Stand by for more and pics. Now, back to my original question, if someone with a Camaro or Nova could give the me the front and rear spring eye to ground dimensions it would let me see if I am in the ball park with my design.

03-02-2023, 01:03 PM	#4
340Cuda VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Posts: 1,671 Likes: 3,860 Liked 801 Times in 338 Posts	Re: Help needed with custom leaf spring build You might give Calvert a call, they may have some ideas for you, don't know.

03-02-2023, 01:07 PM	#5
Ralph A Powell Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bay City Texas Posts: 389 Likes: 2 Liked 225 Times in 136 Posts	Re: Help needed with custom leaf spring build Eaton Springs in Detroit makes leaf springs they have the blueprints for all the old Muscle cars they do coil springs also.

03-02-2023, 01:18 PM	#6
Ralph A Powell Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bay City Texas Posts: 389 Likes: 2 Liked 225 Times in 136 Posts	Re: Help needed with custom leaf spring build Eaton Detroit Spring 1555 Michigan Ave Detroit, Mi 48216 313-963-3839 eatondetroitspring.com

03-03-2023, 07:56 PM	#8
Woodfin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kilgore TX Posts: 539 Likes: 8 Liked 280 Times in 108 Posts	Re: Help needed with custom leaf spring build Thanks to each of you for the feedback. After pondering and measuring I have decided to install a 32" ladder bar. This can be done with a minimum amount of cutting and modifying of the body and frame. It will allow a 29.5 x 10.5W tire which will handled the power and performance I have planned.