Rear leaf spring kit-C2

[Jim W.]

I need to buy new liners and paint for my 64. Is Quanta still the go-to people for this since they changed their paint product from original pint of "Ionoklad" type brush on to two cans of heavy solids spray cans. Or is their a better alternative?

Thanks, Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

For the paint, you can use a Dove Gray color from your local hardware store.
Or, look for cold galvanizing paint if you really want to be more correct:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNY8VQM4...lig_dp_it&th=1

[James W.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

Jim,

I bought the rear spring liner kit from Quanta. The spring coating I bought through an on-line industrial supply company called Zoro www.zoro.com. I've attached a picture of the gray zinc galvanizing compound and what it looks like on the spring. This is a link to the Sprayon galvanizing compound https://www.sprayon.com/product/wl74...zing-compound/.

Hope this helps.

James

[Mark E.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

See the last 3 posts of this thread-
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...189#post954189

The 99% zinc paint isn't cheap but the label says it has an indefinite shelf life. A quart of this stuff must weigh 10 pounds. Goes on thick with a sponge brush and drys with a slight textured finish.

[Jim W.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

Thanks all for the links;
My original springs are in really good shape with only light surface rust on top sides as well as the retainer cups, so I plan to leave the retainers in place. I cleaned in Evaporust. So I will get the liners and bolt from Quanta and go with one of the other zinc coatings.
James, yours looks great. How many coats of Sprayon did you use. Not sure yet if I want to paint the tops ( mine have a nice blackish patina from age).

Jim

[Mark E.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

Thanks all for the links;
My original springs are in really good shape with only light surface rust on top sides as well as the retainer cups, so I plan to leave the retainers in place. I cleaned in Evaporust. So I will get the liners and bolt from Quanta and go with one of the other zinc coatings.
James, yours looks great. How many coats of Sprayon did you use. Not sure yet if I want to paint the tops ( mine have a nice blackish patina from age).

Jim

Be aware that the Quanta bolt head is taller than the original and risks cracking the differential housing. Recommend grinding it down, or better, clean and use the original. Once installed, it's not a critical fastener.

Also recommend brushing rather than spraying the Zinc protective coating... thicker and more effective against corrosion.

[Jim W.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

Be aware that the Quanta bolt head is taller than the original and risks cracking the differential housing. Recommend grinding it down, or better, clean and use the original. Once installed, it's not a critical fastener.

Also recommend brushing rather than spraying the Zinc protective coating... thicker and more effective against corrosion.

Thanks Mark, I've read a lot about that screw. I need a new one because I had to cut mine. It was bent and the nut would just spin so couldn't grip a any threads. Thought about checking out a round head cap screw 5/16-18 grd 8. Still may need to grind down.

[Robert P.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

I also used the spray that James used, the spring looked great when done and no clean up
Bob

[Mark E.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

Thanks Mark, I've read a lot about that screw. I need a new one because I had to cut mine. It was bent and the nut would just spin so couldn't grip a any threads. Thought about checking out a round head cap screw 5/16-18 grd 8. Still may need to grind down.

Grade 2 is adequate. It's only under minimal strain before the spring is installed; none after installation. But corrosion in this location is an issue so a plated or stainless fastener is best.

[James W.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

Jim,

To paint all of the spring leaves top, bottom, and side you will need about 4 to 5 cans. I cleaned my original spring like you did, EvapoRust, then wire brush, then wipe down with wax and grease remover.

As far as the spring bolt replacement goes, I've attached some pictures of the reproduction bolt(s) and the original bolt to show the difference in the head heights and overall lengths. The original bolt is the shorter one with the longer un-threaded shank. Hope this helps.

James

Thanks all for the links;
My original springs are in really good shape with only light surface rust on top sides as well as the retainer cups, so I plan to leave the retainers in place. I cleaned in Evaporust. So I will get the liners and bolt from Quanta and go with one of the other zinc coatings.
James, yours looks great. How many coats of Sprayon did you use. Not sure yet if I want to paint the tops ( mine have a nice blackish patina from age).

Jim

[Patrick H.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

I ground down the head on a repro bolt a couple of years ago for the 63 in the shop so that it matched the original… and then the bolt itself snapped when I was tightening it. I’m not sure what grade that one was but it didn’t take much before failure.

I ran a thread cleaner over the original, replated it in black phosphate and reinstalled it. It can be a bit of a challenge as they were cut off once installed, and are shorter, but I used a clamp on each side of the bolt to squeeze the spring leaves to the point I could install the nut.

I don’t know of any commonly available round head bolts you could use instead unless you found one with an Allen head that you ground down.

[Mark E.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

As far as the spring bolt replacement goes, I've attached some pictures of the reproduction bolt(s) and the original bolt to show the difference in the head heights and overall lengths. The original bolt is the shorter one with the longer un-threaded shank. Hope this helps.

James

This is so emblematic of the trouble with this hobby- suppliers cannot even correctly reproduce a bolt. And worse, if installed by the unknowing owner, this $3 part can cause major damage.

Jim-

I complained to Quanta about their bolt a couple of months ago. They said they would work to fix this so it may be worthwhile to contact them and ask if the corrected bolt is available. They provided a refund and said to not bother returning it so I still have it. If you want it, PM your address and it's yours. The head AND shaft length will need to be shortened but can be made to work.

I give Quanta credit for promptly offering a refund but why do they continue to sell a part that can cause so much damage?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

As far as the spring bolt replacement goes, I've attached some pictures of the reproduction bolt(s) and the original bolt to show the difference in the head heights and overall lengths. The original bolt is the shorter one with the longer un-threaded shank. Hope this helps.

It has been my impression that the factory started with a long bolt, and trimmed it to length after the spring was assembled. If you look closely at original bolts the end is often not "square" or perfect. I do the same with the reproductions - when they don't break.

[Jim W.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

So I got this round head socket cap screw. Head is just right diameter and although the depth is 5/16 it fits entirely within the pocket recess in the differential cover. Does anyone have experience with one if these. I could still grind down some anyway. Also shown is my original.rear spring bolt.jpgrear spring bolt.jpgrear spring bolt 2.jpgrear spring bolt orig.jpgrear spring bolt orig 2.jpg

[Gary B.]

Re: Rear leaf spring kit-C2

I really like the idea of the Allen head cap screw because typically you have to hold the head with vice grips, pliers, etc.

Gary