Do you wonder why your car rides poorly? (springs)

[Kube]

Here's an example as well as a reason I install NOS springs in all of my restorations.
This spring (main leaf shown) is from a 34,000-mile car. The problem? It is from an 89-year-old car. A long time for all that weight pressing down on a spring.
One look at the main leaf from this car next to a NOS main leaf and it should be apparent why it's necessary to replace tired springs.
Springs are designed to carry a specific amount of weight and thus to offer a desired (read: designed) handling and riding characteristics.
I once sold a '40 convertible I'd restored (unadvertised) as the guy that wanted it took notice of how much higher it stood vs. all the other '40 Fords at a national meet.

[mfirth]

Thanks Mike, good info. Makes sense to me. Pic says it all....the new one is smiling, the old one, like me, not so much. Age takes it's toll ........

[kurt v]

main leaf just needs to be changed or all of them, as long as the leafs are not worn to much into the lower spring ?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by kurt v

main leaf just needs to be changed or all of them, as long as the leafs are not worn to much into the lower spring ?

Kurt,
In my opinion, it only makes sense to believe if the main is that "shot", the others are as well. They are all the same age.

A few years ago, I'd replaced the springs in my '36 roadster, a former high point restoration. The entire car was raised approximately 2 1/2" at all four corners.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by mfirth

Thanks Mike, good info. Makes sense to me. Pic says it all....the new one is smiling, the old one, like me, not so much. Age takes it's toll ........

Ya know, that's why I have put off having my height checked. I suppose I'm not quite ready to accept the fact that 6' 2" was no doubt in the past

[Steve Staysko]

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I had my leaf springs re-arched and my 34 rides like a new car.

[ford38v8]

In addition to a lower stance with weak springs, the frontal view can show a tilt right to left as my '38 did before I replaced my front spring set. No more the embarrassment of standing on the running board to level out the stance.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

In addition to a lower stance with weak springs, the frontal view can show a tilt right to left as my '38 did before I replaced my front spring set. No more the embarrassment of standing on the running board to level out the stance.

I know what you speak of. Many decades ago, I'd purchased a Chevy short bed from a rather large fellow; my guess, 350# or so. Although the truck was but three years old then, it leaned heavy on the left side.
New coils and it sat right once again.

[tubman]

That's the difference between you and me "Kube". Coming from a rather impoverished background, I would have simply swapped the springs side for side, and gotten a little "California rake" for free.

[mfirth]

tubman, I love a nice rake. I lowered the front end of my 1st car 3 inches, a 1950 Ford 6 cyl. 2 door sedan. Everyone loved the look, and it cornered really good. A true "old school teacher's car". I think your 51 looks good too.

[Lawrie]

Kube, you must be a mind reader,we are away in my 34 3w and on reasonable roads it’s very nice, but rough back roads it will bottom out in the rear,specially on sharp bumps.
I would love some nos springs for it.
Lawrie

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Lawrie

Kube, you must be a mind reader,we are away in my 34 3w and on reasonable roads it’s very nice, but rough back roads it will bottom out in the rear,specially on sharp bumps.
I would love some nos springs for it.
Lawrie

Lawrie, As you no doubt know, NOS springs are getting tough to find. I used to buy each and every one I came upon.
If you are unable to find NOS, Eaton does to a good job at correctly reproducing springs. They are not shy ($) but again, do nice work.

[farmertom]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

In addition to a lower stance with weak springs, the frontal view can show a tilt right to left as my '38 did before I replaced my front spring set. No more the embarrassment of standing on the running board to level out the stance.

yeah,every time i bring my '37 back in from a liquer run i stand on the pass running board to correct the bachelor lean. Tom.

[1942deluxe]

rear spring.jpg
My 48-business coupe sat low in the rear (and had a broken leaf) before the installation of a NOS rear spring. It also had a frozen rear shock which we replaced. Car now sits level if not a slight rake and handles considerably better. I bought the NOS spring for $140 including shipping which I thought was dirt cheap and money well spent.

[Bored&Stroked]

I put new springs on my 32 Cabriolet when I rebuild the drivetrain. I also had two sets of 32 shocks rebuilt. They were NOT done by Andy . . . and they both leaked their fluid out afterwards. As my car is already hotrodded in the drivetrain (41 Merc engine, 39 trans and soon to have a Columbia) - I'm thinkin of going to later tube style shocks. Still pondering it!

Anybody have any opinions on good rebuilt shocks from Andy - and how the ride of a 32 -34 is afterwards???

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

I put new springs on my 32 Cabriolet when I rebuild the drivetrain. I also had two sets of 32 shocks rebuilt. They were NOT done by Andy . . . and they both leaked their fluid out afterwards. As my car is already hotrodded in the drivetrain (41 Merc engine, 39 trans and soon to have a Columbia) - I'm thinkin of going to later tube style shocks. Still pondering it!

Anybody have any opinions on good rebuilt shocks from Andy - and how the ride of a 32 -34 is afterwards???

No experience with 32 shocks but have a set of Andy's on my '36 three-window. No leaks and they "feel" nice on the road.

Did you by chance have Apple Hydraulics do your pair that leaked?

[Lawrie]

Kube, I have an enquirers out to Fred, if not there is a local spring works nearby who has a good reputation,but I would like nos .
I am away in my 34, but on my way home from dropping of my friend in Mackay,I will pass through the town where the spring company is, and stop in for a talk.
Lawrie

[52flthed]

Do you mean Eaton Detroit Springs? You guys are saying this is a good source for new springs?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 52flthed

Do you mean Eaton Detroit Springs? You guys are saying this is a good source for new springs?

Yes, that's the place.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by Kube

Yes, that's the place.

Hey Mike, since you are recommending them and before I hit the order button, I feel assured ordering a "new" front spring for my 32, they will have the correct "end" tdeail to the leafs and the proper leaf clamps and rivet heads for "Concours" judging??