Restoring a 69 f41 leaf spring?

[george culolias]

First what is the correct color? I used standard light primer gray from autozone is that close?
Second I bought the new leaf seperators and they didn't come correctly sized, unless there were only 2 sizes. Where and what did you guys use to cut these? How far out should they extend on the spring? Unfortunatly I already threw the original ones away
Thanks

[Jim T.]

Re: Restoring a 69 f41 leaf spring?

While you are waiting for a correct response, earlier this past week the same thing was asked about liner length, two different ways were given. I could go into the attic and look at my 68's original spring when I get home.

[george culolias]

Guess I should have searched for a C2 spring also

So they are the same? The C2 spring talked about earlier this week and my 69 F41 spring? Thanks anyone that knows

[Joe L.]

Re: Guess I should have searched for a C2 spring a

George-----

The 64-67 F-40/F-41 rear spring was exactly the same as the 68-72 F-40/F-41 rear spring.

I believe that the liners extended about 1/4" to 3/4" from the end of the leaf above (for those spaces in which a liner was used). I don't think that these liners were originally "precision cut".

The liners can easily be cut with just about any cutting tool-----scissors, knives, razor blades, etc. Manufactured from graphite-impreganted polypropylene, they are very easy to cut.

[george culolias]

Thanks Joe you are a wealth of information! *NM*

[Chuck S.]

Re: Guess I should have searched for a C2 spring a

George, I don't know about the specific primer you chose, but I would say that your choice is probably better than the "Rear Spring Gray" sold by most vendors IMO. I found the vendor's special spring paint to be incorrect in both shade and gloss, but you often see it on restored cars. It seems like it was too dark gray, and too high gloss. The shock paint ain't perfect either, but it will work IMO if you spray it dry.

From when I restored my rear spring, Joe's comments about the liners are dead on. I believe, however, I would cut them no shorter than 1/2-5/8" exposed length on each end. I think when the spring is loaded, and de-arches, the ends of those liners will get sucked in a little bit...better to be a little long than a little short.

OTOH, the point can be made that hourly workers doing those things all day didn't overthink this task...if they cut a set a little short, I'm pretty sure the spring wasn't rejected.

[Alan Drake]

Re: Guess I should have searched for a C2 spring a

The original formula of the gray paint is available from Quanta. Purchased my liners and paint form another source, however after reading past discussions via the search I purchased the Quanta. It is in a can and can be rolled on painted on, however I believe mfg used a big brush and sloped it on. I maintain that such a procedure allowed the gray to cover the edges and at a min seep through the bolt hole onto the top surface. (I did find some evidence of the entire top of the spring painted, however this may still be a point of disagreement)

Please do a search and you can get the correct name of the gray paint.

Disclaimer, I'm just repeating what I've read so if the experts have some corrections with the above, go with them first.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Guess I should have searched for a C2 spring a

Quanta's formula was specifically the one I didn't like, but this was 10-12 years ago. They could have changed the paint formula they use since then.

Regardless of what anyone claims for their product, for me, it has to match the finish I find on a sheltered area of the part for me to agree that it's the "original formula". Unfortunately, we've all been to Snakeoil U. a time or two on that "original formula" BS.

In the case of my spring, that "genuine spring paint" didn't match what I found between the leaves at all...the gray was quite different, and it was too glossy. But, I found something at Home Depot that matched color and gloss reasonably well.

[Alan Drake]

Re: Guess I should have searched for a C2 spring a

I agree Chuck, I did not like the shade of gray compared to what was left on the spring, however there was no gloss to the finish. Have fun.
Home Depot product??

[Wayne M.]

Sades of Gray (spring vs. shock -- orig.;65)

Early car; This shows the bottom side of the upper leaves; I think the lighter shades of gray on the spring are the correct color, and that the darker hues are due to hypoid oil leaking over the years and soaking the spring pack. The shocks are definitely darker with a hint of blue. (good grief, I'm sounding like an interior decorator)

[Alan Drake]

Re: Sades of Gray - 64

That looks just like mine on a 64, great picutre. Notice it appears that the top of the leaf is also painted.

My shocks also have more blue then spring or the paint sold for shocks another great picture!
Thanks Wayne