The Ford Barn

JBill · 08-08-2017, 05:21 PM

I have a 10-leaf spring from an old project leaning against the inside wall of my garage, with the center bolt in place. Is this a ticking time bomb? Should I (carefully) disassemble it? Ignore it?

Brentwood Bob · 08-08-2017, 05:24 PM

Do you carry life insurance?
If so, your survivors will be taken care of.
Bob

1930artdeco · 08-08-2017, 05:40 PM

Maybe just wrap some chains around it just to be sure that center bolt does not let go and take out your and a wall. Or to get rid of all the risk, disassemble-very csrefully.

Mike

WHN · 08-08-2017, 05:42 PM

Is the spring any good?

If questionable, take to scrap yard.

Have you ever seen a 90 year old chair that an over weight person has been sitting on for 90 years?

1955cj5 · 08-08-2017, 06:07 PM

Front or Rear?

If it's a rear spring follow the advice given..!

J Franklin · 08-08-2017, 06:25 PM

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If it is a rear spring it is dangerous if mounted in shackles on a differential. It is in a relaxed state if not, and shouldn't worry you.

wrndln · 08-08-2017, 06:29 PM

It should be fine if the spring or bolt is not rusted badly. Rear springs are very powerful, but the bolt should hold OK. I have 3 rear springs setting in my barn and nothing has happened for many years. If you really are nervous, take a medium to large C clamp and clamp it next to the bolt.
Rusty Nelson

Licensed to kill · 08-08-2017, 07:49 PM

Im not sure what you are worried about??. A spring pack just leaning against a wall or lying on the floor has very little energy stored in it since the leaves are pre bent before assembly. They do have SOME energy as they do have a preload on them but it's not a lot. I've never played with Model A rear springs but I have a few lying around. They could be different but I would be surprised.

SeaSlugs · 08-08-2017, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin

If it is a rear spring it is dangerous if mounted in shackles on a differential. It is in a relaxed state if not, and shouldn't worry you.

thats my thoughts - i would be more afraid of it falling over and crushing toes from weight than it flying apart.

daveymc29 · 08-09-2017, 12:15 AM

Isn't 10 leaf a front spring? I agree with #9. Wear steel toed boots or lay it flat. If it is a rear then there is some stored energy, but I wouldn't worry too much. Put a C clamp or two on it if in doubt.

08-08-2017, 05:21 PM	#1
JBill Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 702	Time bomb? I have a 10-leaf spring from an old project leaning against the inside wall of my garage, with the center bolt in place. Is this a ticking time bomb? Should I (carefully) disassemble it? Ignore it?

08-08-2017, 05:24 PM	#2
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,250	Re: Time bomb? Do you carry life insurance? If so, your survivors will be taken care of. Bob

08-08-2017, 05:40 PM	#3
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,552	Re: Time bomb? Maybe just wrap some chains around it just to be sure that center bolt does not let go and take out your and a wall. Or to get rid of all the risk, disassemble-very csrefully. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

08-08-2017, 05:42 PM	#4
WHN Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Connecticut Shoreline Posts: 1,824	Re: Time bomb? Is the spring any good? If questionable, take to scrap yard. Have you ever seen a 90 year old chair that an over weight person has been sitting on for 90 years?

08-08-2017, 06:07 PM	#5
1955cj5 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,578	Re: Time bomb? Front or Rear? If it's a rear spring follow the advice given..! __________________ Early '29 CCPU that had a 4-speed, but not any more.......in the family since '62 Last edited by 1955cj5; 08-08-2017 at 06:16 PM.

08-08-2017, 06:25 PM	#6
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,969	Re: Time bomb? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If it is a rear spring it is dangerous if mounted in shackles on a differential. It is in a relaxed state if not, and shouldn't worry you.

08-08-2017, 06:29 PM	#7
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,165	Re: Time bomb? It should be fine if the spring or bolt is not rusted badly. Rear springs are very powerful, but the bolt should hold OK. I have 3 rear springs setting in my barn and nothing has happened for many years. If you really are nervous, take a medium to large C clamp and clamp it next to the bolt. Rusty Nelson

08-08-2017, 07:49 PM	#8
Licensed to kill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Alberta Posts: 930	Re: Time bomb? Im not sure what you are worried about??. A spring pack just leaning against a wall or lying on the floor has very little energy stored in it since the leaves are pre bent before assembly. They do have SOME energy as they do have a preload on them but it's not a lot. I've never played with Model A rear springs but I have a few lying around. They could be different but I would be surprised.

08-09-2017, 12:15 AM	#10
daveymc29 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Danville, CA Posts: 1,554	Re: Time bomb? Isn't 10 leaf a front spring? I agree with #9. Wear steel toed boots or lay it flat. If it is a rear then there is some stored energy, but I wouldn't worry too much. Put a C clamp or two on it if in doubt.