Front Coil Spring Correct Marking?

[Mheiron]

I'm about ready to re-install the front coils on the '63 hardtop, M-code.

The VTCI Original Factory Spec. book calls for a single yellow stripe as this car has AC.

I'm thinking I'd like to apply the stripe before installation.

Does anyone have additional details about this stripe? Width, length, orientation, color shade etc. ?

A picture of the correct mark would be extremely helpful.

How were these stripes applied at the factory? Were they sent pre-marked by the supplier or were these markings applied on the assembly line?

The latest photos are:





Let me know if anyone notices anything "not quite right".

Thanks for the help!

[Jim Wulf]

This is how I applied the stripe on my Roadster springs. I based it on well worn examples observed in boneyards, all of which gone now. There's quite a bit of latitude here, as there is with other undercarriage inspection and ID markings.

[Jim Wulf]

The only thing I suspect may not be "as original" is the sway bar link. It's hard to see but it looks like it may be the modern replacement bolt and sleeve and flat washers. Let me again say that yours may be correct - it's very difficult to see. The originals look like this:

[rgebbie]

where did you purchase your coil springs?

regards,

rich

[Jim Wulf]

where did you purchase your coil springs?

regards,

rich

I've gotten all of my springs from Eaton Detroit Spring. Never a problem, but I just looked and they say they're not being made at this time. Another supplier is Espo, but I haven't used them.

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

http://www.springsnthings.com/index.htm

Some of the usual Thunderbird suppliers like the Bird Nest also sell springs.

[tbird]

Jim
Just looked at you picture of the purple stripe on your spring, did you do the stripe with the spring in place or prior to installation?

[Jim Wulf]

Jim
Just looked at you picture of the purple stripe on your spring, did you do the stripe with the spring in place or prior to installation?

Did it with the springs in place. Easy to reach with the car on the lift.

[tbird]

Painted the stripe on my 65 springs prior to installing them. Originally they would have had the I. D. stripe put on with a brush stroke down them right after manufacture and black paint dip so they could be easily identified at the line. I found that if the stripe is painted prior to installing it tends to rotate a bit when they are put in place and loaded, amount of twist would vary with spring length and load rating.