69 Spring codes and numbers

[Don_Lightfoot]

When you look at the spring charts, for both Camaro and Chevelle, there are occasions where the same part number (seven numerical digits) is used for different codes (two alpha digits). Can anybody explain this? Appreciate it.

[Nova Research Project]

Hello Don,

Fronts I presume?

Many of GMs parts were interchangeable. GM did maintain unique part numbers (except for the recycling of 6 digit numbers in the mid 1970s). So if the part number is the same it should interchange.

The letter assembly plant codes could be be the same on shared parts, like engines. But would expect the assembly codes for the body specific parts would have their own codes for a similar part.

The Camaro and Nova shared part numbers. Not all were listed for each but as the subframe is the same they would fit.

I have not pulled the front springs from the Chevelle yet, but the A-arms and spring pockets seem to be the same. Could have been some overlap in specs.

Not sure if this helps you or not,
Greg

[Don_Lightfoot]

Certainly a bit of mystery still here, although I very much appreciate your response Greg. Your point about interchangeability is well taken. You are also right about being only the fronts for Camaros. I certainly can't speak for the accuracy of the spring charts I have, but here is what they are telling me.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Camaro Front:</span>
3955709 - ED &amp; EK.
3955712 - EL, EM &amp; EQ.
3955725 - HA, HB &amp; HG.
3855727 - HH &amp; HJ.
3955722 - YA, YC, YH, YM &amp; YP.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Chevelle Front:</span>
3952824 - AC &amp; AD.
3952808 - AH &amp; AI.
3952811 - AJ &amp; AO.
3952818 - GV, GW &amp; GX.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Chevelle Rear:</span>
3952831 - BF &amp; BI.
3952828 - BE, BL, BM &amp; BU.

[Nova Research Project]

Hello Don,

Those look to be from an older parts book. One where they ran out of parts and sub'd the over the counter parts that were close.

As example EK was 3955710 but since they did not have that one, they list the 3955709. After 1970 they only listed two service front springs for the Nova.

You can see the full list of Nova Springs here along with a few calculators.

Spring Calculators and Charts

No Chevelle ones yet, but in the order book when I find time.

Greg

[Don_Lightfoot]

Well Greg, that certainly seems to be a logical explanation. Unfortunately there is no date on my Camaro illustrations. Thanks again pal.

[Donnie]

Greg, let us know when you get the Chevelle chart finished.

[Kurt S]

I have the oldest parts listings I can find and they already had superceded many part #'s. Maybe some were never available for service. http://www.camaros.org/suspen.shtml#spring