The early cars had, if my memory is correct, only 3 leaves. They reduced the
spring rates by adding additional leaves.
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Occhiuto" <calabria1922@yahoo.com>
To: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2003 8:43 PM
Subject: Replacing or re-arcing rear springs
> Hi all,
>
> I have to do something about my old rear leaf springs.
> I have sent an earlier note out, but I have some more
> information that I would like to share and get some
> feedback on. I explained that I wanted to make sure
> they didn't relax back, that I wanted to specify the
> final ride height, and that I would like it to not be
> stiffer than the originals, per feedback from some
> people I talked to.
>
> I talked to three vendors and they all recommended
> adding an additional main (the long one) leaf to keep
> them from relaxing back down. Two said that it would
> make it stiffer. One said that it would improve the
> ride because as the springs relax, you are basically
> resting mostly on the stiffer small leaf, adding the
> new longer leaf would be much softer than what I have
> now. One said that he "curls" or "curves" the ends of
> the new added leaf which improves (softens) the ride.
>
> Costs are ranging from $300 - $400 installed,
> including all new bushings, U-bolts, etc., and painted
> to look like new. One vendor said he could also
> custom make a set for $400, plus hardware and
> installation. Turn around time is a one-day job.
>
> An alternative is to buy new springs for around $300,
> plus bushings, bolts, etc., and installing them.
>
> Has anyone had any experience with re-arcing springs?
> How long did they hold the ride height? Was an
> additional leaf added? If so, was the ride stiffer
> and did they hold the ride height longer? If going
> with new springs, what additional hardware did you
> need, how hard was it to get and what did it cost? If
> you had to do it all over again, would you do it
> differently?
>
> Thanks everyone!!!
>
> Scott Occhiuto
> 68 2000 since 1976.
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