The Ford Barn

mrcorvair · 03-12-2017, 07:24 PM

My 39 deluxe coupe does not have covered springs.
Also I have no way of knowing if the springs on it are correct.
So I would like to know what year covered springs would work.
I would also like to know the number of leafs recommended for the best ride.
My original shocks are fully functional.
I came up for the front 01A-5310B 10 leaf with cover.
For the rear 01A-5560-B 9 leaf with cover.
I assume for the rear that 78-5560-A 10 leaf had no cover.
Please advise.

JSeery · 03-12-2017, 07:27 PM

Might clarify what you are trying to accomplish. Are you attempting to match the original configuration or are you just interested in best ride comfort? Ride comfort is somewhat subjective and the original spring configurations (number of springs) was geared to a different type of road condition, etc. Some folks prefer a softer ride and remove spring leaves accordingly and some want them as they rolled off the assembly line. The Green Book list various spring configurations.

mrcorvair · 03-12-2017, 07:30 PM

I'm interested in the best ride comfort

Kurt in NJ · 03-13-2017, 08:07 AM

Prpoerly lubed original springs along with properly working original shocks give a very good ride----but once grease is pumped into the spring lube fittings the spring is no longer properly lubed and gets stiff, Ford spring lube is thin oil mixed with talc---thin oil like ATF, about 75%, talc about 25%(originally therewas a dash of ground abestos, a dash of graphite works)------the talc works as a polishing medium and becomes a dry lube (look at ingrediants in "slip plate")

i don't see how you will match the original factory ride of properly restored or low milw original that was properly maintained----my 46 I didn't know, greased the springs---rode bad, the 39 was original, low miles, just glided over everything---came with the dedicated "spring lube gun" from the old guy that took care of it for the old lady

Kube · 03-13-2017, 08:57 AM

Covers have nothing to do with ride as you know. Also, they were not offered on '39 Fords if originality is a concern to you.
I would suggest a NOS spring be installed. One that has the proper number of leaves for your model. And, as advised by another poster, make certain it is properly lubricated. A used spring will never allow the ride a NOS spring will. An 01A spring (1940) will fit your car just fine but will not be concourse correct.

JSeery · 03-13-2017, 11:40 AM

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What Kube and Kurt said! And you then can start removing spring leaves to soften the ride if that is your goal. It is somewhat of a trail and error process.

03-12-2017, 07:24 PM	#1
mrcorvair Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: McDowell, Va Posts: 141	Covered springs for a 39 coupe My 39 deluxe coupe does not have covered springs. Also I have no way of knowing if the springs on it are correct. So I would like to know what year covered springs would work. I would also like to know the number of leafs recommended for the best ride. My original shocks are fully functional. I came up for the front 01A-5310B 10 leaf with cover. For the rear 01A-5560-B 9 leaf with cover. I assume for the rear that 78-5560-A 10 leaf had no cover. Please advise.

03-12-2017, 07:27 PM	#2
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Covered springs for a 39 coupe Might clarify what you are trying to accomplish. Are you attempting to match the original configuration or are you just interested in best ride comfort? Ride comfort is somewhat subjective and the original spring configurations (number of springs) was geared to a different type of road condition, etc. Some folks prefer a softer ride and remove spring leaves accordingly and some want them as they rolled off the assembly line. The Green Book list various spring configurations.

03-12-2017, 07:30 PM	#3
mrcorvair Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: McDowell, Va Posts: 141	Re: Covered springs for a 39 coupe I'm interested in the best ride comfort

03-13-2017, 08:07 AM	#4
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,192	Re: Covered springs for a 39 coupe Prpoerly lubed original springs along with properly working original shocks give a very good ride----but once grease is pumped into the spring lube fittings the spring is no longer properly lubed and gets stiff, Ford spring lube is thin oil mixed with talc---thin oil like ATF, about 75%, talc about 25%(originally therewas a dash of ground abestos, a dash of graphite works)------the talc works as a polishing medium and becomes a dry lube (look at ingrediants in "slip plate") i don't see how you will match the original factory ride of properly restored or low milw original that was properly maintained----my 46 I didn't know, greased the springs---rode bad, the 39 was original, low miles, just glided over everything---came with the dedicated "spring lube gun" from the old guy that took care of it for the old lady

03-13-2017, 08:57 AM	#5
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,083	Re: Covered springs for a 39 coupe Covers have nothing to do with ride as you know. Also, they were not offered on '39 Fords if originality is a concern to you. I would suggest a NOS spring be installed. One that has the proper number of leaves for your model. And, as advised by another poster, make certain it is properly lubricated. A used spring will never allow the ride a NOS spring will. An 01A spring (1940) will fit your car just fine but will not be concourse correct. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

03-13-2017, 11:40 AM	#6
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: Covered springs for a 39 coupe Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) What Kube and Kurt said! And you then can start removing spring leaves to soften the ride if that is your goal. It is somewhat of a trail and error process.