I just purchased front and rear springs for my 66 from Hotchkis.
They are pt# 1900r and 1901f
I was installing the rear springs last night and found that the lower spring pigtail is not formed correctly to fit the factory spring retaining plate.
I emailed Hotchkis about this and included these photos. Their answer was to just tighten down the bolt until the plate conforms to the new spring.
I am not sure I like this answer. I don't doubt it will hold the spring in place but this seems a rather poor design from a company who is not shy about what they charge for their product.

So what do you guys think? Are all aftermarket springs this way for the 66 year model?
I like to take the time to make my stuff right.
Am I just being to picky?

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First off, that is BS... they know about the retainers but to fix it, it would hurt their bottom line in tooling changes.
That being said... Modify the spring. Snip off the 3/8" piece that turns back down into the retainer's lip. What do you think about that?(aside from the slimy corporate crap) It won't affect the spring rate, if at all.

I agree about it not being right. If another manufacture makes correct springs I'll send these back. No sense in rewarding crap.
But if necessary I think your idea about cutting the spring end to make it fit better is a good one.Even after cutting some off I don't think it will fit right, the curve radius is wrong.

But thanks for the idea, it may come to that.

Anyone know about better designed springs??

There has to be alot of guys who have replaced rear springs in 66 chevelles on this site, does anyone know about this spring design issue.
If no company designs their rear springs correctly for the retaining plate then I'll modify my plates to fit. Hate to do that if someone makes a better product.

Anyone have info?? please.

I have those same springs in the wagon and had no problems with installing them. They fit just fine. Make sure to snug the retaining bolt down really well and they will be fine. The original retainer will more than sufficiently hold the spring in place. Be sure to use lock washers on the nuts.

I'd suspect they made the springs this way so they would also fit 67 and up cars which don't use the retaining plate and bolt. This way they didn't have to tool up different springs for 64-66 and 67-72 cars.

Bottom line, just bolt them in and you'll be fine.

Rich-L79
Thanks for responding. Guess I'll put them in. It would be nice for Hotchkis to mention the retainer issue or provide a more rounded retainer plate for use with their spring. The tooling issue is understandable I suppose.
I checked out your wagon resto, Very nice job.
I was hoping to see how the retainers fit in your photos but the air bags hide them.
I'll try installing the springs this weekend and see how it works.
Thanks again