VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 springs- rebuild or buy new?

hello once again,

I had a 50' Chey parts car that I removed the rear leaf springs from, one spring has a broken leaf. On my 51' Chevy I also have a spring with one broken leaf. There is a reliable Co. in Tampa called Tampa Spring and they said they will rebuild my springs- meaning they disassemble, clean, re-arch?, repaint and install new bushings for $130 a pair. New ones through chevy's of the 40's cost $300 not including shipping (i'm not sure if bushings are included). Has anybody gone the rebuild route? If I where to rebuild the springs how do I remove the metal covering on the springs before I give it to the repair place. Is there a left and right spring?
Also, are there anymore opinions to my posting about the rear differential case and axle bearing dated 7-19-05 or 7-20-05. Thanks again for your help!

51Steve

My first choice would be to rebuild the original springs.The replacement springs often make the car ride harder due to the fact the the leaf ends are not tapered - just cut straight off.Also they usually supply a universal spring and the rear end will sit up too high.The re-arching may help a little - often they settle back to near the original.If the ride height isn't too low now I wouldn't worry about it.If the covers are removed it will be very difficult to save and rienstall them.The late 1951's had just a short cover that fit over the end section only-1954 no cover but anti-squeak inserts.
There is no left and right.I would keep the 1951 springs and remove only the leaf you need from the 1950.

No comment on the date code...don't understand it :confused: