Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

[David L.]

Finally getting around to restoring my 58 Big Brake Car I have had since 1978, PROBLEM My original H.D. 5 leaf springs that have taken many 6000 rpm side stepped clutch holeshots decided they would not ReArch, 3 broke in half, and the others are obviously weak.
A) I could fork out $3000 to get a used original set tomorrow that may be just as tired as mine
B) I could start searching for replacement individual leafs and piece my tired springs back together (or find close ones from base springs to fool everyone).
C) Maybe find a set of those later over the counter sets (clamp configurations are different / otherwise the same springs) I have seen over the years for reasonable prices and maybe loose a point in judging.
Any opinions / suggestions appreciated . Humor will be well recieved as I have passed up AT LEAST several sets DIRT CHEAP over the last 35 years

[Dave S.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

Finally getting around to restoring my 58 Big Brake Car I have had since 1978, PROBLEM My original H.D. 5 leaf springs that have taken many 6000 rpm side stepped clutch holeshots decided they would not ReArch, 3 broke in half, and the others are obviously weak.
A) I could fork out $3000 to get a used original set tomorrow that may be just as tired as mine
B) I could start searching for replacement individual leafs and piece my tired springs back together (or find close ones from base springs to fool everyone).
C) Maybe find a set of those later over the counter sets (clamp configurations are different / otherwise the same springs) I have seen over the years for reasonable prices and maybe loose a point in judging.
Any opinions / suggestions appreciated . Humor will be well recieved as I have passed up AT LEAST several sets DIRT CHEAP over the last 35 years

David,
You know I can't help with the springs but I'm happy you are now ready to restore the car. If I can help in other ways let me know. All those years of collecting parts is now going to pay off.

[David L.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

Thanks Dave, It was more fun collecting parts than finding out parts I have been using & abusing over the years are too aged to be rejuvenated (like me), talk soon . THANKS

[John H.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

David -

(A) or (C) - otherwise you'll never get to drive the car.

[Edward J.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

David, Can a spring company like Eaton spring help you out with making the replacement leafs for the ones broken?? Good luck Ed

[David L.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

John , OPTION B IS OUT Thanks makes sense ..........Edward Thanks but because of the GROOVED leaf Eaton cannot help with this configuration spring ( I asked ) APPRECIATED THOUGH !

[Christopher R.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

Dave: Glad to hear your project is back on. Why don't you do option C? That option keeps your project moving forward. You can continue to look for other options on these springs, and if you find something you like better, you can always replace the OTC springs later. You have had good luck and been very resourceful in finding original parts. No reason to think that won't continue.

[David L.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

Thanks Chris, My 1st thought was "it is too late I've waited too long , NOONE will help me out and I will have to deal with the evil get rich horder crowd" , BUT YOUR RIGHT there are people out there that are like you & I that may have a pair they can sell me at some point in time that I don't have to take a second mortgage against my house to purchase. I FORGOT ABOUT REAL NCRS folk (glad I posted here and look forward to helping others on this forum in the future), YES there is still hope ! THANKS AGAIN Chris and all the NCRS real folk out there !

[Bryan S.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

Have you tried Dayton Parts/Stanley Springs? They make custom leaf springs, perhaps they can be of assistance. http://www.daytonparts.com/dpweb/App...ter_iframe.asp

[David L.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

Bryan, Thanks I will check with them............AND THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME to share the idea.............. APPRECIATED

[Jimmy B.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

try Dick Robinson 215 947 7884

[David L.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

THANKS Jimmy , I know of him thru a corvette parts friend John Kosemple (who has passed away) , and now as I remember John had also always told me to check with him on any RPO issues . THANKS FOR THE LEAD

[Ronald W.]

Re: Big Brake 1958 RPO 684 FIVE LEAF Springs ADVICE needed

I have a set of five leaf replacement springs in my 61 corvette that I would swap for a four leaf set. They are functionally good but don,t have the appearance of the originals. I might have a lead on individual leaf grooved springs. Best wishes on your restoration. Ron Wilson 603 6352265