How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

[Jack O.]

What's the best way to install the cup retainers that hold the rubber cushion onto the leaf spring? The old ones appeared to simply have the metal that stuck through the hole bent over to keep it tight and in place. These new ones I believe have a bit more material sticking through the hole. Was wondering if anyone has a clever way to bend the metal over before I come up with my own method.
Jack

[Robert M.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

Hi Jack;
I used the round end on a ball peen hammer and an arbor press, flared the cup out perfectly. If you don't have acess to a press you could use a vise.
Hope this helps,Bob

[Jim D.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

Get a large diameter carriage bolt, set in place and hit it with a BF hammer. It will replicate the factory flair exactly.

[Tracy C.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

What's the best way to install the cup retainers that hold the rubber cushion onto the leaf spring? The old ones appeared to simply have the metal that stuck through the hole bent over to keep it tight and in place. These new ones I believe have a bit more material sticking through the hole. Was wondering if anyone has a clever way to bend the metal over before I come up with my own method.
Jack

If the spring is off the car, either method previously mentioned will work. If you are working an installed spring or a trailing arm, the swaging tool rented by Gary Beaupre is the only way to go. Here is a previous thread.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...15999#poststop

Gary also has also written a Restorer article on this topic.

tc

[Tom L.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

The tool described in the article works great. I made one that is modeled after the one in the restorer article. If you have access to a lathe, a few inches of 1 1/4' round stock and a bolt you should be able to make it easily. If not, I'm sure one of the orther methods will work fine. Good luck!!

[Larry M.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

If the spring is off the car, either method previously mentioned will work. If you are working an installed spring or a trailing arm, the swaging tool rented by Gary Beaupre is the only way to go. Here is a previous thread.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...15999#poststop

Gary also has also written a Restorer article on this topic.

tc

I agree. I borrowed and used the tool from Gary about 1-1/2 years ago. Well worth the time........the finished product (spring) is excellent.

Give him a call or e-mail.

Larry

[Don L.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

FWIW, I recently replaced my rear spring and was very successful in installing the retainer by using a combination of post #2 and post #3 above. I used a large ball peen hammer as a forming tool, a BF hammer (4lb short handle) for the persuader and a block of hard wood as my backer. Once I got the forming started (I was kinda scared that that the "cuff" would split), I gave it hell - it takes a lot. WORKED PERFECTLY! Both retainers rolled over without splitting just like the OEM spring I used as a model. Need two people though. I had a friend hold the spring assy while I did the whacking...

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

What's the best way to install the cup retainers that hold the rubber cushion onto the leaf spring? The old ones appeared to simply have the metal that stuck through the hole bent over to keep it tight and in place. These new ones I believe have a bit more material sticking through the hole. Was wondering if anyone has a clever way to bend the metal over before I come up with my own method.
Jack

Jack,

I wrote an article for the Restorer with Lee Brock about 2 (or 3?) years ago about a tool for doing the swaging process that can be used with the spring/T-arms either installed on the car or off the car. People who have used the tool to date have been very happy with the results. Send me your e-mail address and I can give you more detail. My address is garybeaupre@comcast.net. I'm leaving on vacation on Tuesday evening, so e-mail ASAP if you want the info before Jan.

Gary

[D S.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

Is it recommended to use new cups when replacing or reinstalling rear springs?

Thanks
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

[Gary B.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

Is it recommended to use new cups when replacing or reinstalling rear springs?

Thanks
Scott Sims
Texas Chapter

Scott,

If you're careful when un-swaging the lip when removing used cups, then they can be re-used. But original cups are typically very rusty and pitted. If you're dealing with a car from 1967 onward, why not replace them with new cups? GM still sells the identical part. Most vendors sell the cups for around $3 each.

Gary

[D S.]

Re: How to install cupped retainer on leaf spring

Scott,

If you're careful when un-swaging the lip when removing used cups, then they can be re-used. But original cups are typically very rusty and pitted. If you're dealing with a car from 1967 onward, why not replace them with new cups? GM still sells the identical part. Most vendors sell the cups for around $3 each.

Gary

Thanks, Gary.