67' 9 leaf spring: painting & metal band clamp removal
I want to paint my new leaf spring the proper color gray and put in the plastic liners. How does one go about doing this? Do I remove the band clamps (how do you do this) and center bolt then separate the leafs and paint individually and then place liners back in??
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Re: 67' 9 leaf spring: painting & metal band clamp removal
Dave,
I have disassembled several springs and here is how I proceeded. Before doing anything, I placed a clamp on each side of the center bolt. The leaves are under clamp load (if that's the right term) so if you just remove the bolt it will spring apart when you get to the end of the bolt. Now you can start unscrewing the center bolt and releasing the clamps slowly. If you get to the end of the bolt and it is still under load get another clamp ( I use woodworking bar clamps because you can get a very large initial spread) and replace one of the clamps. Secure this and remove the first. Continue until the bolt is no longer under tension. Remove the bolt and separate the leaves. To assemble I get a very long bolt to start and line up the leaves loosely. Place clamps as before and tighten clamps and bolt together. When spring is tightened enough that the bolt that came with the spring can be used, and it is clamped securely, remove the long bolt and insert the original bolt. Tighten completely. As far as I remember the bands are not securing anything from from springing apart so they can be taken off without clamping but if you feel safer, wait until you put on the clamps to do this. Hope this helps.
Jeff
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