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

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.

Has anyone had there leaf springs re-arched?

Had the leaf springs re-arched in my Ford pickup a few years ago. I was happy with the results.

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.

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

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.

Thanks for the info, I do appreciate it!

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

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?

AMA specs 4 and 5 leaf. Would surmise A/C and vert would get 5.

My vert came with the road handling package & has 4 leafs.