Leaf Springs [again]

[bill_powell]

I know, I know, it's been discussed before. And I <span style="font-style: italic">have</span> read through the posts.

As it's been a little while, I thought I would ask what the current general consensus is:

Is there a source for new, <span style="font-style: italic">good quality</span>, semi-elliptic springs?

It's the last component of my suspension on my list, and the one I have been putting off doing.

If there are no good new units available, can the old units be realistically 'refurbished' and is there a good source for that to be done? The latter is important, as I have neither the skill, or the time right now, to try it myself.

Thanks!

 

[spritenut]

Take them to a spring shop. Look in the phone book for truck springs.
British Spring in the UK assembles new leaf springs out of chinese steel.
and the sticker on them says "made in the UK" but the chinese letters stamped on the leafs tells a different story. And my local spring shop showed me this and said "don't bring them here" we can not temper chinese metal"
They can re arc your old ones and they may be able to make or have leafs on the shelf and can make a new set.
Mercer Spring in Trenton, NJ did have a set of leafs on the shelf for a Sprite/Midget and were happy to sell them to me since they were not exactly a fast moving item these days. And I bought the pair for cheap.

 

[Hairyone]

When I replaced my springs last year I replaced them with new heavy duty ones ( 9 thicker leaves) that the PO gave me. These are available new from Moss etc.
rear spring referb
This did put the back end pointing to the sky. The solution was to take the top 3 leaves & put these on the bottom. thus
A tip found on the post attached.
The ride is great & corners on rails.

 

[Roger]

Why not just throw the top leaves away? They're not doing anything now.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

They are serving as spacers, but Bill was asking about 1/2 elliptical, not the 1/4 elliptical.

 

[bill_powell]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, these are for my '69 Midget, so are 1/2 elliptical.

I did see the springs at Moss (and others), but found only standard and lowered styles; wanted to see what others thought about them.

I have found a spring shop not too far away (about 75 miles, in Nashville). They need to see the springs before offering an estimate. Any idea of what to expect price wise?

Do I need to know any 'specifications' or other info?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Bill, someone over of the MGBBS had the specs for these springs because they had some custom made.

 

[bill_powell]

Found it! Thanks Trevor~

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Wow, you found it faster than i could. What are the #'s?

 

[bill_powell]

Checking this thread in-between yard work...

Here's the link I found:

https://www.british-cars.org/mg-midget-sp...17433832127.htm

 

[nomad]

Bill: Too bad your short on time since rebuilding them is'nt difficult and most likely will give you better springs than are now available. To rebuild you remove the center bolt and one spring clamp. You can then slide the leaves out, clean them up (I use a wire wheel) and replace the plastic shims. Most of the sag in the springs comes from the shims being worn. I use moly filled polycarbonate from Mc Master Carr.
Good luck in finding good springs. I started rebuilding after recieving a set of junk springs for my B from the usual suspects.
Kurt.

 

[bill_powell]

Kurt, I appreciate the info.

The difficulty for me...we have a small hotel. The place is jammed from Spring till Fall, and I just do not have much free time until it slows down for Winter. Also, the Midget is a daily driver, so I really hate having it down for too long.

So, I either have the springs done for me, or I wait until December. And man, is my unheated garage a bummer in December.

 

[jlaird]

Sorry you have such a problem as your livelyhood being jamed with customers. LOL

Way to go.

 

[bill_powell]

You are correct, of course. And I really do like what I'm doing.

But wait, there's more:

I spent my life in the Army. First as a Tanker, then as a Grunt. My last assignment was with the 101ST Airborne at Fort Campbell, about 30 miles from here.

I decided to settle out here, and not return home to Southern Calif. Later I heard about the hotel being for sale, and convinced my parents to sell their small business, pack up, and join me out here. "Lets take over this little hotel in Dover, TN. I'll help you run the place" says I.

Now, after some years, I realize that the hotel business is a lot like the Infantry. I get up early, clean rooms, make beds, clean toilets, mow the grounds, etc.

But it's <span style="font-style: italic">good</span> to be busy.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

That's a great story!

 

[jlaird]

what, no folks in Tenn to clean rooms?

Good on ya.