To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

[Michael H.]

I'm restoring my leaf springs. I have bead blasted the leaves and I would like to paint the entire surface to protect them from the elements. I was reading the tech questions on Eaton Detroit Springs web site. They recommend not painting between the springs, claiming that the paint will wear off causing a looseness between the leaves and possibly breaking the leaves. Do people usually paint the inner surface of the leaves? Has anyone noticed any problems? What is recommended when painting the leaves? Thanks

[Jack C.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

A light gray primer was used from the spring manufacturer for some model years.

[Brian M.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

I used the Quanta grey spring paint years ago and painted both sides of each leaf, no problems so far.

[Bob R.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

I pulled the spring apart on my 63 last summer and painted it the gray primer color others have mentioned. I did find the residue from the original grey paint on the leaves so I believe the factory must have painted them that way also.

[Henry J.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

I painted my Eaton Detroit spring. No problems two years later.

[John H.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

Painted mine before assembling it too - no issues.

[Richard T.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

G M used a gray primer to protect the leaf spring from rust; each leaf was painted gray and the black liners were than inserted. I am not sure if Eaton supplied G M with leaf springs in the sixties. The fact that G M left so many parts unfinished or simply left primed on such expensive cars as the Corvette back in the early days; well: ? That is why black out was used on the line and you will see over spray on these parts. Restored Corvettes usually do not show any over spray and are not correct but are some times not deducted point wise at shows. The Eaton spring available today for early Corvettes is the best available and is very high quality. The springs are delivered with a heavy black coating applied to them upon completion; this rubber like coating offers good rust protection but it is not correct for early Corvette's. Eaton will blast the spring for a fee to remove this coating but during the process the liners will be damaged and a new set will be required to bring the spring to the G M as delivered standard. For the purpose of what most of us now use the early Corvettes for, the gray primer applied to each spring leaf should last for many years of service. After the install process, touch up any bare metal spots with fresh primer. I know this is a long story for a short question but I hope this helps.

[Michael G.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

Michael,
I am not looking to bash the Eaton company, but their warning of loosening and possible breakage from painting the unexposed areas just doesn't make sense. I believe they are just trying to discourage the disassembling and reassembling of their product by the consumer. I, like the others have painted both sides of each leaf with no problems afterward. This will allow for the installation of proper liners unaffected by paint. If you have not been through this process before, you should check archives or fellow mechanics as there is serious danger in removing, disassembling, and installing the spring. It can be done safely if you know the procedure. Mike

[Alan D.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

I used a product from Quanta, 1 pint can, with over 2/3 left after painting top and bottom. Believe it is the Ionoklad which GM used. Also check (search) around year 2000 for many detail discussions on the rear spring. The Restorer has had some articles also.

The tops of all were painted and the bottom (towards road) was painted top and bottom. The application on my original spring was very heavy with paint running through center hole, spilling over edges, and running over bottom of each. GM may have painted the bottom of each also - do not know for sure, but I painted mine - you can not see.

I was unhappy with the spray cans by repo vendors - color, thickness, not sloppy enough.

[Franz E.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

[Jim R.]

Re: To Paint or not to Paint my Leaf Springs

I used a gray primer on my 65 no problems, make sure you dont torque the 4 center spring bolts until you have the car on the ground weighted, i have read that this is what causes the rear end covers to crack, torquing when on jack stands.....