VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 leaf springs 29 coupe

I'm at the point in my restoration with the frame ready to sandblast. I removed the springs, and to my disappointment all four sets are mismatched. One front has 8 leaves the other has 7. The rear has one set with the short compression springs on top on each end, and the other set does not. The bushings have worn through and there is wear into the steel. I am thinking that I need all new springs. If I get new springs should I separate the leaves and paint the inside surfaces? Do you recommend the Poly Slide Spring Separator from FS?
Thanks, Pete

Eaton Springs has a lot of helpful information regarding leaf springs. They manufacture complete new front and rear springs if you are unable to have your existing springs repaired.

http://www.eatondetroitspring.com/

Hi Pete,
I dont have understand well what happened (I dont understand English to much).
I have a 1929 Chevrolet Pheaton: it may be useful some pictures of my leaf springs?
Saluti dall'Italia

Apparently in the past (probably during WWII) a spring or two was replaced. All new springs may be your best option. If you check the parts books of the '29-'32 time period you should find the number of leaves originally installed on your '29.

Thanks Chipper the parts book and also The Filling Station catalog say 7 leaves in the front and 6 in the rear. The front springs have a compression leaf upside down on each end. (I can post a photo if anyone wants). I think I will just order new sets. As far as the restoration goes should I separate the leaves and paint between them? We do have a spring manufacturer here in Rochester, NY. I may get a quote from them.
I am not sure if the short compression springs are original or if they are supposed to be on all four sets or just the front.
I have been looking for photos of springs on restored 29 coupes and have seen some cars with the small compression springs on one side and not the other. Does anyone know what the original springs looked like?

Photo shows front springs with small compression springs on each end. One rear spring has these the other does not.

The small,springs are rebound springs and are supposed to perform a similar job as shock absorbers. They are original on 1929 and should be in pairs on all springs. Front springs are 7 leaf for cars and light commercial and 8 leaf for truck. I believe you are right about 6 leaf for rear for coupe with trunk. Possibly 7 leaf for rumble seat equipped coupe. My Cabriolet with rumble seat uses 7 leaf and my sedan uses 8 leaf in the rear.

Hello,
Leaf springs should not be painted on the contact surfaces. Springs should be assembled with graphite/oil or grease mixture between leaves and then painted as an assembly. The leaves must slide for the spring to work properly.

Thanks Cabboy
That makes sense I'm not sure if the "rebound" springs would have been on the rear of the 29 coupe because there are shocks on the rear.

Hi there,
If it truly a 1929, shocks to not belong. Shocks were added in 1930. 1929 had rebound springs all around. I thought I saw a post here with someone looking for shocks for their 1930. I may be able to help with some rebound springs if you can't find any. I have two 1929s and have been collecting for years.

Thanks, Cabboy I just assumed the shocks were original. I checked with The Filling Station and they said their spring sets do not include the recoil or rebound leaves. I have 6, of them if you have two extra I may need them. I will send you a PM or -mail.