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| | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,122 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,122 | Been sorting and reorganizing the shop and storage space. I rediscovered a set of front and rear leaf springs that landed in a parts collection some time ago. I got to wondering if these might be useful or should they just be added to the scrap metal pile. I am aware there is a recommended method of measuring springs, but I’m uncertain just taking measurements in addition to inspection of the mounting holes and spring leaf’s for damage will be sufficient to determine if they would offer suitable deflection for use. Am I over thinking this? What say you? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,851 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,851 | Just IMHO, but if you do the physical inspection and they aren't up to par, they're probably not worth saving. If they don't have wear on the leaf to leaf contact points, eyes are still intact, leafs aren't cracked/broken, they retain an arch and measure up to the length specifications they are worth saving. If not for your own truck, then for another Bolter that might want original springs. Just my $.02 worth. 
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,787 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,787 | If you know a blacksmith or knife maker in your area, those spring leaves can be repurposed into various smithing projects. The metal is annealed to soften it, forged into various types of projects, then retempered to whatever hardness the smith wants. Gunsmiths who make traditional muzzleloading rifle barrels by forge-welding them into a tube and rifling say that one of the best barrel-making materials for long flintlock rifles was a main spring leaf for a Ford Model A.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,055 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 11,055 | What Jerry said. If you post them for free, the knife makers will beat down your door to take them off your hands.
Or you can repurpose then into something else yourself. I made a slapper for body work out of an old spring leaf.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,192 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,192 | My brother made a crossbow using a leaf spring. Others have done it; I think there's some YouTube videos...
Gord 🇨🇦
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1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
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