Source for Small U Bolts on 1/4 Elliptic Springs-

[Jim_Gruber]

OK Team I tried to rush and remove the Small [ U Bolt on Bugsy's 1/4 Elliptic Springs. Not a part available via MOSS, MOSS- UK, AH Spares, McMaster Carr. McMaster Carr smallest I.D. is 2". 1/4 Elliptics are 1 3/4" wide. Anyone got a source for a replacement or what have you used in the past. .

 

[BlueMax]

Try these folks.... https://www.pacifictrailers.com/square-trailer-u-bolts-zinc-plated-u-bolts/

 

[The_architect]

I used these 2 1/16 wide 3/8" heavy duty galvanized u-bolts I bought from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YMTQLHQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
and made a strap from a piece of flat iron.

When you review the 1 3/4"wide u-bolts from Pacific Trailer, note that the because of the radius at the corners, the effective width is only about 1 1/2" even though the legs are 1 3/4" apart--does this make sense? You are going to have a gap at the end where the bolt crosses the strap. You don't want that, you want them to be tight. You actually need something a little wider.

I had to run a die down mine to get a little extra thread, because they were not threaded long enough, but they worked great. I had previously used 2 x 5/16 and found they were not heavy enough and were getting bent up. One of the original u-bolts I took off was actually broken at the bottom near the strap. Looked like it had been that way for many years.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Thanks for the update. I'm checking on u bolts from a place in Portland I asked for a quote for 17/8" wide that duplicates original in Grade 8. Should have a price. Better yet Rick Fisk thinks he has a set in his basement. Hopefully I can find OEM parts. Thanks.

ps thinking 2 1/16 could you use shouldered spacers of some sort to go over the legs to get the ID down to 1 3/4. A thought.

 

[The_architect]

You could Jim, but on mine once they were are torqued down were are not going to move. The radius at the top keeps them in place-on any of these where a piece of round stock is heated and bent, it is quite large. If Rick can find you OEM that would be wonderful. I should mention, on those that I bought the galvanizing was extremely thick and heavy--these were intended to be used on boat trailers.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Awaiting feedback from Rick, see my note on ahexp re. derusting process and flapper wheel. All springs cleaned up in 45 minutes, mess of shop, but a nasty job done.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Just saw a post on AHEXP from Rick ... looks like you struck gold ...er... rust.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Please see the PM I sent to you. Yes those are like finding gold. All I need is the small U Bolt. Hate to break up a set of usable springs if I can avoid it.

 

[twas_brillig]

https://www.ahspares.co.uk/austin-healey/sprite/Suspension-Rear/U-BOLT-incnuts.aspx

Have a look-see, as I think that this is what you're looking for. (vs. "these aren't the droids you're looking for). Doug

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Although that looks like it, that one is the large u bolt that attaches the spring to the floor pan bracket. At least that's what it appears to me. Thanks anyway. Found one however. So hunt is over. Thanks Team��

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Two Thumbs Up and Thanks to Trevor for sending me two u bolts that I needed. Thanks to Rick Fisk as well for offering up a set of 1/4 elliptical. Rick save Thise for someone in desperate need. I'm covered. Thanks again to all on this Team for your help and support

 

[drooartz]

Excellent! Spridget people are good people.