62 Leaf Springs

[David R.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

Hello Eric,

I was wondering how you resolved your 62 leaf spring issue you had back on your 6/21/16 post. I have the same 62 color, tran, motor like yours if you still have it. I bought mine about 31 years ago and the prior owner put TruSpoke wire wheels (15 X 6 or 6.5) and oversize tires. So it appears he or someone put a 5th leaf spring (approx 3/8" thick) to raise the rear so the wheel/tire combo didn't rub the wheel well. Did you buy repro. leaf springs and if you did where and how did they work? Do the liners and banding kits work on the repro springs or just the 62 original?
The ride is very stiff, so I am looking to either remove the 5th leaf or buy a pair or 4 leaf springs since I am just looking to have a solid driving with a less stiff feel.

David 63349

[Eric E.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

HI David,

Hi David,

This winter I have been working on small assemblies that I can do in my basement shop so I haven't made any traction on the springs. My situation is a bit different than yours. When I bought my "project car" it had a set of rough 5 leafs and I later picked up a set of grooved springs from a member when we were swapping parts.

I am thinking on evaluating each leaf that I have to see which ones I need to and possibly build a mutt set. Otherwise the only other viable option is to buy a complete set off the internet/driveline. I have been told by a number of members that I wouldn't be happy with the ride height of the repro springs.

It sounds like removing the extra leaf for yours and using a new liner kit would be the best choice.

Eric

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

David
The least expensive would be to take the 5th leaf out, put it back together and see if it sits and rides ok. However if after all that work you find that the reason there is a 5th spring is because your springs are weak or cracked, then you have to do it all again. If you are not concerned with originality then you could just buy aftermarket springs or have your springs reached at Eaton Spring in the Detroit area, not cheap but you will have a set of original looking and performing springs. There is away to measure the springs when they are off the car to see if they are weak or bent but I don't have that info in front of me, hopefully someone else can provide that or give Eaton Spring a call and maybe they can tell you.

[Joe R.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

Hi Terry,

Here is an article on how to measure / rearch your leaf springs before you install them on the car (scroll down to page 2):

https://stlouisncrs.org/news_files/St_LouisNCRS_ChapterNewsletter2ndQuarter2012.pdf

Joe

[David R.]

[David R.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

Thanks Eric,

Yes, I confirmed tonight that the 4 original grooved leaf springs are on both sides. I will need to remove them so I can exam them closely.

David

[David R.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

Hi Terry,
Thanks for your insight. I guess I will get everything apart and go from there. I thought I read something from a past post/forum about 5.5" to 5.75" measured between the top of the leaf spring to a string stretched from the center of each eyehole (in free state).

Good hearing from you!

David

[Terry D.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

David,

Yes, I checked my notes and that is what I have written down. Let us know the outcome.

[Pat H.]

Re: 62 Leaf Springs

Check our this issue of the restorer. I wrote an article about my experience. There is an error in the article on pg 10 under facts. The first dot on the build date 263E8 is Sept 20 1958 E for evening shift not Eaton. The next article written by Bod Baird goes through the process of removing the original band clip. I wish I would have figured that out before I destroyed my originals. You can see the condition of my spring, which were in relativity goof condition.