30 coupe rear spring

[bobmc]

I removed the rear spring from my 30 coupe today, both side shackles were bad, and need replaced, to my suprise its a 10 leaf spring. (accourding to my snyders parts book coupes phaetons cabriolets a400 and victoria should be 8 leafs). Applied a "C clamp" and cut off the center bolt. no broken leafs and not much ware on the ends of the leafs from friction.

So should I paint it and reinstall, should I remove two of the leafs (which two, or buy a replacement spring. The measurements from the center of the eye to eye is about 39 3/8", measurment from ground to top of spring at center bolt is 17 3/4". measurements taken prior to removal of center bolt.

I know i have the correct measurements for the spring in a relaxed state someware, just haven't been able to find it yet. You guys will most likley respond to this post before I do.

Thanks

Happy New Year to all!!!

 

[Old182]

I bought my coupe when it was 30 years old - 1960. It had (and still has) a 10 leaf spring on the rear. It could have been changed along the way before I got it, but I left it the way I found it. It sits slightly high, but IMHO looks better than some "correct" coupes that seem to sag a little over the rear wheel. In my case it was just a personal decision; if you're not interested in fine point judging (they don't know everything anyway) do it the way you like it. As mentioned in Ed's note, I'm glad I left it because now my grandkids use the rumble seat all the time and I pack tools and parts on the floor. $0.02.

 

[Tom Endy]

My Victoria had an 8-leaf spring when I acquired it. I replaced it with a 10-leaf with the thought to better clear an overdrive installation. It doesn't seem to ride any different and it does not look like the back end is raised up. I also carry tools and some replacement parts in the bustle behind the back seat.

I did have to locate some longer U-bolt hanger assemblies.

If you have a good 10-leaf spring and the hangers that go with it I would put it back in the car.

Tom Endy