Topic: 69 351 mach leaf spring stripes

[BuckeyeDemon]

does anyone have information for the leaf springs stripes for the following car in my sig?
I've dug around on several forums but there isn't much info out there for 351 cars.  I also don't have the build sheet.

specifically colors, order of stripes (shackle to housing) and approximate width.

the springs that came off the car are:
C9ZA-5556 C
849

from what i've read, these don't seem like they are supposed to be the correct leaf springs.  i can see where two wide stripes were but it's just a different texture of rust and i can't see any color after trying to clean.

it's highly likely that sometime pre-1983, a previous owner had swapped springs with a 428 car since they did steal a 428 shaker setup as well (maybe the same car?) and had modified some components in the rear end.

69 mach 1
351W
3-spd
non-ac
non-ps
standard suspension
3/31/69
dearborn

[J_Speegle]

Can't remember seeing a C9ZA-C set of rear springs but we don't often see stripped down Mach I's

According to a March built Mach I with similar equipment as yours (no PS, no AC, 3 speed...) it looks like the stripes were as follows

1 Gold and 1 Brown

Springs would have been marked on the longest leaf just in front of the rear shackle (brown being the one closest to the shackle)  with the spring sitting on the eyes of the spring. Stripe typically have been seen only on the (what would become) the bottom of the spring with some paint extending over the edges as the paint was applied. Stripes are typically approx 3/4-1" wide


Hope this helps

To others viewing this thread - DO NOT copy these colors on to your cars springs unless the information about your car matches EXACTLY. Its too common today for judges to deduct for incorrect paint marks and others may see you car, assume they are correct then copy them onto their own cars - continuing the mistake

[BuckeyeDemon]

that's what i needed.  thanks for the fast response.

[BuckeyeDemon]

hum.  interesting.  that's the same part number that came off mine.  maybe they were the correct springs.

in any event, i kept the bottom leaf and media blasted it.

on the old springs i could only see what appeared to be two stripes.
here is a picture of the springs...

thanks for the feedback.

[J_Speegle]

Well if you have the original springs you should be able to make out how many total stripes were there originally - even though the colors are long gone

[J_Speegle]

Well if you have the original springs you should be able to make out how many total stripes were there originally - even though the colors are long gone