Angelo,
I understand that some individuals remove or open the clips to expand the
springs, then sandblast or chemically strip each spring assembly, after
which they re-clamp them closed. Personally I didn't bother opening the
clips, I just tossed them in with my frame and front suspension when I had
them chemically stripped, they came out quite satisfactory. I primed them
with an etching primer and followed with a Black enamel. I suppose an epoxy
or powder coat system would be even better but I'm pleased with my results.
Prior to mounting I laid them on thier sides and soaked them with 30wt
engine oil. I have read that you are not supposed to lubricate leaf springs
but given the 40 years of corrosion I felt better about softening up any
remaining rust.
rcb
At 08:08 AM 9/19/97 -0400, Angelo Graham wrote:
>Another question for the collective wisdom of the list.
>
> Noticed that both of the rear springs on my car are missing one of the
>straps or bands clamping the leaves together. Figured I could get a spring
>shop to fabricate and rivet a new one in place. What about the individual
>leaves? Should they be cleaned (blasted?) and painted or is a clean metal
>to metal surface required to provide the proper spring/friction action for
>proper springing action? Will certainly clean the outside edges of the
>assembled spring and paint the exposed surfaces, but just wondering about
>the individual leaves. Have seen examples of some models of cars with
>springs covered in canvas bags and filled with oil, etc.
>Just another detail I was puzzling about.
>
>Thanks for any help.
>
>Angelo Graham
>1959 TR3A
>Waterloo, Ont. Canada
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