Leaf Spring Repair? [SFL]

[1965_MGB]

Greetings All,

While I was bored last night, I decided to detach the springs from my rear axle, and give them a looking over. It seems that the plastic spacers between the leaves is pretty much shot.

I have read that local spring shops can fix these up, but I don't see any listed in my area.

If any of my fellow Fla residents might know of a place, I would appreciate the info.

I guess what started as a simple bushing replacement is now going to a full spring rebuild, powder coat the brackets, and while I am at it, pull the axles and replace the seals. I might as well have the housing cleaned up and coated while I am at it.

When I get done with this "simple" project the underside of the car will look better than the topside ever will.

 

[jlaird]

Sounds like another case of the might as wells. Good on ya.

 

[tony barnhill]

I've taken springs apart, sandblasted & painted each leaf, cut new plastic & reinstalled them afterwards....not hard.

 

[jhorton3]

What are you using as plastic in between? Maybe I'm thinking of something else, but I thought I remember someone cutting up truck inner tubes to use in between.

 

[tony barnhill]

I got some real heavy plastic like what Lowe's has...guess you could use inner tubes though.

 

[vping]

Seems simple enough to do. I saw that Jack did his with Automotive hose clamps. Is there a way the DIY can put back the original spring clamps?

 

[1965_MGB]

I was looking at the original clamps, and it looks like if one is careful with them, they could be reused.

I found a local place that works on HD truck springs (Palm Beach Spring). I am going to run them over there next week and have them give the springs a look to see if they can help me out.

They can also re-arch the springs. I would imagine that they will work better than some of the new springs I have been reading about.

I am thinking of using Nylatron bushings and pads when I reinstall the axle. I see Moss has a couple of different types. I don't want to use the rubber ones, as I would like to tighten up the suspension. It looks like the Nylatron has a bit more give than the Prothane stuff. Anyone got an opinion one way or the other?