Painting Model A Springs

[Bill Goddard]

I am ready to clean up my 10 leaf rear spring. It is in very good shape with a very little rust. I know I need to relieve the under side of each spring end and I want to ultimately coat the leaves with a graphite compound but what about initial treatment of the springs and a coat of one part urathane paint before the final coat of graphite? I am planning to use spring covers. Can anyone fill in my refinishing schedule? Thanks Bill G

 

[Russ/40]

Painting between the leafs is pointless. After reconditioning your leafs, assemble clean, and paint the entire assembly. Disassemble again, and use the graphite spray on the unpainted surfaces. Multiple coats of graphite, as the stuff goes on thin.

 

[gilitos]

Paint on the surfaces of the leaves that are in contact with other leaves will only wear off and create debris that won't lubricate. The only place paint belongs is on the parts of the leaves that don't rub on each other. Choose your lube and put it between the leaves. Personally I like the spring covers that have an oil soaked pad, because anything that you put on the rubbing surfaces is going to disappear in short order, whether it's graphited grease, graphite-filled paint, or whatever. Oil from the felt pad will supply the rubbing surface for a long, long time and is easily replenished.

 

[Brubaker]

Be sure to grind any 'wear' marks where the leaves have rubbed for many years. Should make for a quieter ride.