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Hi again gents, I think I know the answer to this (based on my earlier questions about front suspension), but am wondering what is the conventional wisdom for leaf springs during a resto-mod process: buy new or dress up and reinstall the old ones?
I'm gonna guess they get tired after 41 years, but as is my ongoing dilemma, I didn't want to throw good dough at new springs if leaf springs last a billion years or so. They *look* old for sure.
And along those lines, where do folks like to get replacements generally?
Thanks and happy Sunday.
Tom
Last edited by FoothillTom; 08/21/11 06:11 PM.
1969 Firebird, 350-2v/350, Verdoro Green (?), Green vinyl, numbers matching, relatively unmolested. Needs a bit of everything.
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I recommend replacing them. After 41 years they will be sagging and could have stress cracks not even noticeable at this point. I consider the expense of buying them more as piece of mind.
1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Has anyone had there leaf springs re-arched?
Engine Test Stand Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoxyUwptUcdqEb-o2ArqyiUaHW0G_C88restoring my 1968 Firebird 400 HO convertible (Firedawg) 1965 Pontiac Catalina Safari Wagon 389 TriPower (Catwagon) 1999 JD AWS LX Lawn tractor 17hp (my daily driver) 2006 Sequoia 2017 Murano (wife's car) 202? Electric car 203? 68 Firebird /w electric engine 2007 Bayliner 175 runabout /w 3.0L Mercuiser__________________________________________________________
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Had the leaf springs re-arched in my Ford pickup a few years ago. I was happy with the results.
Larry
1967 Sprint Convertible
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I had the rear leafs in my 57 Studebaker re-arched...liked the results...
for the Bird I bought a replacement set...liked that too.
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Anybody have a good recommendation on where to procure said leaf springs? Classic Industries has everything in the world, but I find their prices to be consistently high.
Happy to hear recommendations!
Tom
1969 Firebird, 350-2v/350, Verdoro Green (?), Green vinyl, numbers matching, relatively unmolested. Needs a bit of everything.
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Joined: May 2000
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I have had really good luck with Ames, Year One, and Performance Years. My current springs were purchased from Performance Years - no complaints on my end about price or quality.
1967 RA convertible
1968 H.O. coupe - sold
1976 Trans Am - sold
1985 Trans Am - sold
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 142 Likes: 2
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Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it!
1969 Firebird, 350-2v/350, Verdoro Green (?), Green vinyl, numbers matching, relatively unmolested. Needs a bit of everything.
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Joined: Apr 2000
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Most, if not all springs that catalog restoration companies sell come from Eaton Spring in Detroit. Why not go to the source? If you have a problem, saves going through a middle man. Rearching is a good idea if you have a rare spring type that can't be replicated and originality must be maintained. http://www.eatonsprings.com/rearching.htm
Si Vis Pacem Parabellum
1967 Starlight black PMD Engineering 400 Auto
1968 Alpine Blue 400 4 speed
1968 Verdoro Green 400 HO 4 speed
2013 1LE 2SS/RS Inferno Orange Camaro.
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Thanks for the tip. The Eaton site explains it all and the prices are great! My leaf springs were buggered with and someone installed air shocks (Grrr). Were the originals 5 leaf for a 400 HO Vert /w A/C?
Engine Test Stand Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoxyUwptUcdqEb-o2ArqyiUaHW0G_C88restoring my 1968 Firebird 400 HO convertible (Firedawg) 1965 Pontiac Catalina Safari Wagon 389 TriPower (Catwagon) 1999 JD AWS LX Lawn tractor 17hp (my daily driver) 2006 Sequoia 2017 Murano (wife's car) 202? Electric car 203? 68 Firebird /w electric engine 2007 Bayliner 175 runabout /w 3.0L Mercuiser__________________________________________________________
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Joined: Apr 2000
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AMA specs 4 and 5 leaf. Would surmise A/C and vert would get 5.
Si Vis Pacem Parabellum
1967 Starlight black PMD Engineering 400 Auto
1968 Alpine Blue 400 4 speed
1968 Verdoro Green 400 HO 4 speed
2013 1LE 2SS/RS Inferno Orange Camaro.
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My vert came with the road handling package & has 4 leafs.
Brian 
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