Topic: 1968 San Jose GT 390 Coil Spring identification

[bullitt68]

I am just in the process of sorting through some used leaf springs I recently acquired. First question is what color is the non yellow paint. I thought it was orange but would like confirmation. Second question is what does the color code indicate for spring application. I was told that the springs came out of a 68 GT 390. I also compared these springs to the springs that came out of my car as I was planning to put these springs in my car, that is until I measured them and to my surprise the springs that came out of my car were much shorter than the factory color coded ones. I am not sure what the springs are that came out of my car, but I was happy with the ride height and they worked well with my leaf springs that came with the car, that are the same height as the original leaf springs I have compared them to. Just curious how the ride height was on my car when I purchased it. Too high, too low or about right

Thanks

[J_Speegle]

I am just in the process of sorting through some used leaf springs I recently acquired. First question is what color is the non yellow paint. ........

Might help if you took some light steel wool and removed the top layer of paint

Accepting  that we have digit camera settings, and monitor setting differences the color could be red or pink. If the settings are really off then might be something else

Looking at the end of the shorter coil spring (not real close) but it appears that the end is smooth suggesting the possibility that its been cut to remove a coil (more or less)

[bullitt68]

Might help if you took some light steel wool and removed the top layer of paint

Accepting  that we have digit camera settings, and monitor setting differences the color could be red or pink. If the settings are really off then might be something else

Ok jeff will do. Then I can take a photo outside for better lighting. I think that the shorter unpainted spring has been cut as well. With that said, if I used the factory spring with the markings, it would make my ride height much taller un the front, which would also mean that my rear end would be significantly lower, unless of course the coil springs compress more than the shorter ones

[J_Speegle]

While looking through pictures for other needs ran across the picture below from a C code non-GT coupe and fastback San Jose cars. Colors look pretty close to what you posted

Cross referencing the possible colors with buildsheets this is one of the two commonly used front springs used on those cars

Buildsheet describes them as being marked Red Yellow. Of course the red we see on springs often changes tint and tone depending on the year or even tighter time period like in 65-66

[ruppstang]

I can confirm the red and yellow on a SJ 68 C code HCS.

[bullitt68]

I can confirm the red and yellow on a SJ 68 C code HCS.

Thanks Marty I thought that photo looked familiar

[bullitt68]

While looking through pictures for other needs ran across the picture below from a C code non-GT coupe and fastback San Jose cars. Colors look pretty close to what you posted

Cross referencing the possible colors with buildsheets this is one of the two commonly used front springs used on those cars

Buildsheet describes them as being marked Red Yellow. Of course the red we see on springs often changes tint and tone depending on the year or even tighter time period like in 65-66

Thanks Jeff. FYI I soaked the coil springs in Evaporust and when I wiped them down the paint markings came off, but I think the paint in question was red, just very faded

[J_Speegle]

Thanks Jeff. FYI I soaked the coil springs in Evaporust and when I wiped them down the paint markings came off, but I think the paint in question was red, just very faded

That's very odd. That is the first report I've ever heard of Evapo Rust removing paint

[ruppstang]

That's very odd. That is the first report I've ever heard of Evapo Rust removing paint

It seems to remove the color ID marking paint, I loose the paint band on drive shafts every time.

[bullitt68]

It seems to remove the color ID marking paint, I loose the paint band on drive shafts every time.

X2 on the drive shaft for me as well, but it does leave the lines of where the paint marks were. Normally the paint is still there until you rinse or wipe the eavaporust off and then the paint goes right with it. It seems to remove non catalyst paint effortlessly, but urethane based paint or powder coating seems immune to its powers, unless there is rust under the paint, then it lifts off if you soak it long enough.

[J_Speegle]

It seems to remove the color ID marking paint, I loose the paint band on drive shafts every time.

Wonder if they change the formula or maybe your soaking the piece longer. Lots of posts in threads from when the stuff first was available with paint marks not being touched.

Just a couple of the 300 threads with the words

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=20662.msg130159#msg130159

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=6837.msg38754#msg38754

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=6047.msg34162#msg34162

Will add a warning of your findings to one of the established  Evapo Rust threads for members consideration

 

[bullitt68]

Wonder if they change the formula or maybe your soaking the piece longer. Lots of posts in threads from when the stuff first was available with paint marks not being touched.

Just a couple of the 300 threads with the words

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=20662.msg130159#msg130159

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=6837.msg38754#msg38754

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=6047.msg34162#msg34162

Will add a warning of your findings to one of the established  Evapo Rust threads for members consideration

Yes that is true Jeff Evaporust is strongest when new. I soaked both coil springs in a brand new 5 gallon bucket. However with that said it depends on the paint, if there is any rust under the paint or poor application of paint etc. So if the coat of paint was light or on cast metal it tends to come off much easier imo and also if the part has been exposed to the elements for any extended period of time is suspension parts or other parts under the car. I have not seen the same result on engine parts or interior parts as a rule, unless of course rusty already or the paint was very worn.