spring bolt

[Topher5150]

What can I use to replace the bolt on the front spring of the 46-48 Ford car? The one i had had a grease fitting I've been looking for one online but don't see any. Can I use any bolt or should it have a grease fitting?

[TJ]

I don't think thee is anyone who makes the original type spring bolt with the grease fitting. You can get spring center bolts from most automotive parts stores.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Topher5150

What can I use to replace the bolt on the front spring of the 46-48 Ford car? The one i had had a grease fitting I've been looking for one online but don't see any. Can I use any bolt or should it have a grease fitting?

Do you plan on actually lubricating the spring? If so, the nut is more important than the bolt. The nut has a groove in it that allows the lubricant to flow through and (in theory) access the multiple leaves.

The bolt MUST have a square head to seat correctly in the cross member.


On another note... this springs do NOT get "greased". If they do, they will soon clog and no future lubricant will get to where it needs to go.
The proper lubricant had the consistency of the old STP oil treatment.

[Topher5150]

sounds easy enough thanks

[Topher5150]

.....while i'm on the front spring, and this is my thread, how does one replace the spring clamps? I noticed a hole on top of the clamp, does that bolt or rivet to the leaf?

[19Fordy]

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If your spring clamps are now in good condition you can reuse them. On my 40 , I carefully ground or filed off the head and used a pin punch to tap out the OEM pin. It's ok if the clamps bends a little as you can easily reform it around the spring. Then, pry the clamp off. As I recall, that rivet on top fits into the leaf. I replaced it with a small bolt and swedged it in place. I replaced the OEM pin with a 1/4-28 nut and bolt. That was 40 years ago. Still working fine. Of course, you wouldn't do this for a concourse restoration. This was done on a rear spring.

[Topher5150]

Does the top get riveted in? I'm guessing that's something I'd have to have some one do

[19Fordy]

I can't remember for sure if it gets riveted in but I think it does. You have to take the spring leaves apart to do this. That means you need to remove the spring and disassemble it down to that leaf so you can swedge in the rivet or bolt. It's easy to do. Just heat the rivet, put it in the clip and drop it in the spring hole and peen it over while it's hot with a ball peen hammer. You could also do it cold but, hot is easier. Find out if you need a spring spreader to remove your front spring. On a 1940 ford, you do. Once you get your spring out and apart you will see what's needed. Perhaps someone will post a photo of what the underside of the spring where the rivet hole is located. It may have a tiny chamfer to seat the newly formed rivet head. To avoid taking the spring apart I would tap the hole in the spring leaf and re-install the clamp with a small bolt or screw, like 10-32, etc. using Locktite. Use fine threads for better holding power. There is not that much upward force on that clamp.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Topher5150

Does the top get riveted in? I'm guessing that's something I'd have to have some one do

The "clamp" was in fact riveted to the spring leaf.
You can purchase a flat top rivet at any decent hardware store. 1/4" shank. Cut the rivet to proper length, about 3/16" protruding from the assembled thickness (clamp and leaf)... install and peen over. Yep, it's that easy.

[19Fordy]

Thanks Kube.

[Topher5150]

Thanks for the help, this will give me something to do to work on the car in the house where it's nice and warm.

[19Fordy]

If you decide to take the spring apart for cleaning, notice the part number stamped on each leaf.
Also, take photos.

[Topher5150]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

If you decide to take the spring apart for cleaning, notice the part number stamped on each leaf.
Also, take photos.

hind sight is 20/20

[drolston]

I replaced the front spring in my '41 with Posies' reversed eye. The old spring has the original square head bolt and nut with grease fitting. If you want the nut and bolt, you can have it. PM me.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by 19fordy

if you decide to take the spring apart for cleaning, notice the part number stamped on each leaf.
Also, take photos.

i have never seen a part number stamped on any leaf other than the very top one.
Have any photos of where i might find the spearate leaf stampings?

[19Fordy]

No,, I don't have any photos. I could have sworn I saw other leafs stamped also when I took my rear spring apart.
I see in the parts book there is a part # given for each leaf of a spring.
Maybe someone has a spring that is "apart" and could check.