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BUSY BOLTERS Are you one?  The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 | Spring eyes that is - Is there an acceptable tolerance for egg-shape wear in the leaf spring eye? Some old posts say you can get away with new bushing if the eye is a little out of round. Others say the new bushings will distort, time for new springs. What's the verdict?
52 3100 project
54 3100 / 3112 ice cream truck, next project
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,262 |
I'd get a new spring.
However, if the bushing is a good press-fit and does not move in place . . .
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,320 | I have used the steel backed style bushings in slightly worn eyes many times. Not sure the solid brass style will hold there shape.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | My spring guy tightened up the eye and installed new bushings. He had lots of machinery! I asked him if he heated the eyes to do it and he said absolutely not! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | If it breaks, you probably won't die. I will let you know what happens when my bad one breaks, or my next of kin will.
Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 | Never heard of a shop shrinking the eye before. Worth checking into.
The wear is greatest on inner and outer face of the spring eye. So the bushings press in tight and dont move. But there is a small gap between 1/32 and 1/16" visible on the inner and outer face..
52 3100 project
54 3100 / 3112 ice cream truck, next project
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 127 | Well looks like may need new springs after all. One of the top leaves was also all rusted out around the center bolt. Looks like water got trapped under the rubber bumper, and rusted out a 1.5" square about 1/8" deep into the leaf! A local spring guy says its usable, but...
Anybody have recommendations on a supplier? Know if any of these are US-made, good steel?
general springs $230
sdspring 238
jim carter 290
filling station 295
Benz 298
classic parts 320
american classic 360
Eaton 372
52 3100 project
54 3100 / 3112 ice cream truck, next project
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2013 Posts: 568 | National Spring in Santee, California does nice work. They make all the add a leaf kits for our company trucks.
I can explain it to you, I can't understand it for you.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 331 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 331 | St. Louis Spring is also good. They make their own springs just as original. It only takes them a day or so to make them once you place your order. They can also supply the u bolts. There is a recent post from a Bolter that bought some and was very pleased. Springs Thread I have no affiliation with them. Samantha
Last edited by Samantha; 09/17/2014 2:11 AM.
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