|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 118
Shade Tree Mechanic
|
OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 118 |
I am in the process of completing my 31 special sedan. Since either bumper is correct, I would like to use the 2 bar bumpers.
I have a front and 2 bumperettes for the rear. I have dis-assembled the bumpers I have and have found that the springs are bent. The face bars look OK.
I appears that the spring mounts are made of spring steel. They ring like a bell when hit.
My question involves straightening the springs. Since they are spring steel, it appears that they will have to be heated cherry red to remove the temper, straigntened, and re-tempered.
There are several questions here. 1--Can I do this myself? 2--Are plating shops still able to take on this job and do it properly? 3--If I heat and bend to the original shape is there anyone who can re-temper the springs? Or is it necessary to even mess with re-tempering due to the limited use of the car?
If anyone has had any experience with this problem, I would welcome any input.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
A leaf spring shop should be able to do the job. They have the equipment and knowledge with spring steel.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 229
Backyard Mechanic
|
|
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 229 |
Look at the production code on your car. If I recall correctly, the 2-bar bumper was used on cars before May 1st and the single bar bumper was for production models after. Also the hood side panels were slightly different. This information should be checked out however and it really dosen't matter if you are not a purest.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Chevy1778
Just a little correction on a couple of things. Since the bumpers were not factory but dealer installed either single or double bar bumpers are correct for the later delivered 1931 Chevys. The exact date for the introduction of the single bar bumper is not known. It is shown in the second edition of the Accessories booklet and installed on the car in the wood wheel sheet in the May issue of Service News. Maybe someone has a date verifiable reference before that.
Hood side panels were apparently changed during early production in at least some assembly plants. The "early" side panels have the reinforcing pressed step just surrounding the louvers (indexed toward the rear). Later the step is centered in the panel. There are also small differences in the Canadian hood panels.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
|
|
ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26 |
Follow Chippers advice and take them to a spring shop.They can straighten them without heating and do it quite easily. I had my 32 front bumper mounting bracket straightened and it took them less than five minutes.
Steve D
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
