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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 309
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 309 |
Has anyone replaced the rear springs in a 1931? My car is listing to the left.
A local mechanic said to remove the spring and check for a broken leaf. And since I have two old spare rear springs, I might do that.
Are there new springs available that are priced less than a golden cow?
Any thoughts?
Peter
Last edited by Old Crank; 03/09/16 01:30 PM.
My Chevy is over 70 years old and still running great. I hope I keep running cuz I just turned 81 !!
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Joined: Nov 2002
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Nov 2002
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Best to check with a local spring repair shop. If they do not have or are unable to get new springs at a reasonable price I suggest you have them quote on re-arching them. The larger shops can manufacture them if necessary, but re-arching should be less. Seeing that the old cars do not get a lot of heavy use that should be satisfactory.
Steve D
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 29,863
Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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Tech Advisor ChatMaster - 25,000
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The Mangy Old Mutt
"If It's Not Junk.....It's Not Treasure!"
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 327
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 327 |
I too had...have that problem. First stop to frame shop where frame bent to correct problem. Then went to spring specialist who put new leafs in. Sag still there. I have no idea what is happening but am considering adding additional leaf on left side. Obviously part of the original problem, a group of wide folk drove the car over an extended period of time. Sigh...
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 309
Backyard Mechanic
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OP
Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 309 |
Yesterday, I brought the car to a mechanic who restores old cars. He said that in most instances, one leaf , or maybe the main one, brakes in half causing the problem that can be fixed by replacing that leaf.
Since I have two old rear springs (and two old front springs for that matter), he said he would check out the springs. The other thing he said is that re-tempering the old springs does not last very long.
Continuing the saga......
Peter
My Chevy is over 70 years old and still running great. I hope I keep running cuz I just turned 81 !!
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,472 Likes: 26
ChatMaster - 7,000
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ChatMaster - 7,000
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I had my springs re-arched 16 years ago and they are still fine today. I agree they will not last like new ones but with the little use they get it stretches their life.
Steve D
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 127
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 127 |
i had my rear springs ('30 coupe) re arched at a local "spring/suspension" shop. the right rear sagged 1 1/2" off level. this was maybe 7 years ago. i'm glad i had it done: around $300. it still looks new and level (knock on wood). jim
" the chevy six clatter means nothing's the matter."
jf lewis
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ChatMaster - 2,000
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at 85 years old, what doesn't sag some!
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ChatMaster - 750
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