The
bands or clips, stay on the spring. The bands are called "Rebound
Clips". Normally a spring does not break while it is under load. It
breaks when the load is released and the spring is rebounding.
As
for your Vette, you
are correct, Corvettes with transverse spring, 1963 and up, do not have
these rebound clips. GM does not call for them and I do not know the reason why. However, our Vette
springs will have clips on them to keep the leaves from fanning out
during shipping. They can remain on the spring once the spring is
installed or be removed, your choice. - Mike