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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 81
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 81 |
Hello all, first time back since the old site, and may I say, I am impressed!
My question is:
I want to have the springs on my 29 fourdoor re-arched, but I haven't been able to find a spec for the "free arc" ( the measurement from the spring eyes to the center bolt, with no weight on the spring). If any one can help, I would appreciate it. The ol girl is listing to one side and I want to even her up.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Kevin Marsh
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Kevin,
I have looked and haven't found any specs on springs. Have you tried contacting Eaton Spring that supplies new springs through Chevrolet old parts catalog. I can't find my copy (probably threw it out as nearly useless) but remember they were listed for new reproduction springs. I believe they are in Detroit area. Maybe they have a website.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 239
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 239 |
Hi OlChev and welcome home
ChevyChip is right, that book has every part for every car you never wanted to own. It does have a good list of all approved GM Repro Suppliers however. Eaton Detroit Spring Company is at 1555 Michigan Ave - Detroit, MI - 800-345-5323. Out of many pages one 28-29 spring is listed but it's for the front.
Herb
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 184
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 184 |
Hi OlChev-
I ran into the same problem on two different cars that I have restored. I found that spec, but it wasn't as helpful as I thought it would be. The spring must be dissembled and each individual leaf checked. When reassembled, the force of each leaf upon the other changes the final assembly dimension to the point where the spec is only useful as a reference point. I ended up re-arching the weak spring to the dimensions of the good spring. By disassembling each spring and matching the shapes of each leaf to its mate on the other side, I was able to come very close to correct. Fine adjustments can be made to the week spring by tweaking the smallest leaf. The anti-squeak and the bands must be the same on each spring for consistency between springs.
If you feel comfortable with the restoration process and you have a hydraulic press (I made one using a bottle jack), I would encourage you to attack this job yourself. Not only is it very satisfying, but you will have the confidence of knowing that everything is spot on. My only advice would be to make your adjustments in very small increments spread out over the leaf, and to never use heat (obvious, maybe, but important).
SPEEDLINE
"Life is completer in a boat!"
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