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Old 05-17-2011, 10:22 AM   #1
V4F
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Default Model a spring question ...

i have worked on a few "a"s , but only seen one set of this type spring (front/rear) . its just like a regular spring except at the shackle end , the spring has an upward bend . just enuff so you can not get a spreader on them .
looking at the spring , both ends have a bend (V) at the shackle mount . has anyone seen these b 4 ?? ............. thanks .. steve
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Old 05-17-2011, 10:26 AM   #2
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

So where is the picture?
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Old 05-17-2011, 10:43 AM   #3
Charlie Stephens
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

Sure like to see a picture. From the description it sounds like someone heated the spring and bent it to lower the car.

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Old 05-17-2011, 10:48 AM   #4
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

Sounds as though its been modified the way we used to do in the 50s to make the car set lower. We would use a torch and heat the main spring leaf just inward from the shackle and let the car weight cause it to form that v shape . The car would then set a couple inches lower.
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Old 05-17-2011, 11:12 AM   #5
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

I have run into a couple of them like that. It makes it difficult to get the spring off the rear axle housing as you are not able to use a spring spreader. Be careful.

The same guy that lowered the rear end may also have tack welded each of the three spider gears in the differential. Makes for a poor man's posi-traction, but causes the ouside tire to chirp when making a turn. I have also run into several of those.

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Old 05-17-2011, 01:16 PM   #6
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no pic , sorry . lowering the poor way seems most likely to me . i used to do that to coil springs . poor peeps have poor ways !
i have made 2 clamps to install my reversed eye springs & they should work for this . you are correct that this spring is by far the hardest to work with !!
ive got one end in the shackle & the top in the frame , so it cant GET ME , but it will be a job to get it in .
thank you all for the info & help .................... steve

************* ill get a pic !
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Old 05-17-2011, 01:40 PM   #7
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

Throw a couple of c-clamps on for insurance. make sure they will hold until the rear cross member captures the spring. Bob
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Old 05-17-2011, 02:03 PM   #8
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

as requested .... this is the lil thing . worst i have ever worked on !

been bite many times by cutting corners on these rear springs . .... steve
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Old 05-17-2011, 02:28 PM   #9
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

Steve, I can get a regular spring spreader on that by making an adapter. Lets just say for sake of this discussion that the length from the edge of the eyelet to the bend is 2¾". Cut two pieces of flatbar 3"x3½" and two pieces 1½" x 3½". Drill ¼" holes in the edge of all plates where the 3"x3½" plate can be bolted to the upper smaller plate thus sandwiching the spring. The edge of the 3"x3½" plate will be on the bottom side of the spring and will abutt against the edge of the eyelet. When this is done on both sides, this will allow the edge of the 3"x3½" plate to stick out and create a ledge under the main spring leaf just past the bend for the spreader to connect to/push against.

I trust this has made sense without the need for making a drawing.

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Old 05-17-2011, 04:20 PM   #10
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

brent , yrs ago i made an aluminum angle clamp as you described . sorta ! i cut 4 pieces of alum angle , drilled 1./4" holes & it sandwiches the main leaf . i think this lil spring just doesnt like me! LOL worked just fine on my reversed eye this morning . thanks all ................. steve
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Old 05-18-2011, 04:48 AM   #11
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

Steve, I've seen a front spring done this way many years ago, I imagine it would work for the rear.

With the u-bolts securing the top of the spring to the cross member and the opposite shackle in place you put a piece of wood between the axle tube and the spring eye then jack under that side of the axle, as it compresses, the spring should slide across the wood toward the shackle mount once close enough you can install the shackle.
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Old 05-18-2011, 08:18 AM   #12
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Default Re: Model a spring question ...

TEDG ,
thank you ! today is the day to finish the silly thing . rained all day yesterday .
thanks again ..................... steve
** both front & rear are like this . came off a 1930 4 door .
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