FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Could anyone advise whether there is a company that manufactures rear springs to original specs and appearance? Or am I better to look at getting the old ones re tensioned? If so, where? Prefer NSW or QLD if possible. Thanks.

Ken

Hi Ken,

If you take your springs to any springworks they can make a new set for you...

Cheers
Jason.

Mayne Spring Works in Brisbane will make a set or re tension, they where at Herston last time I was there.
Effie C

When you say "original specs and appearance" do you mean concourse or close enough is good enough.
No one will remake new springs to concourse condition - for a start the plastic inserts are unobtainable, and most springworks use a round insert which is hopelessly unoriginal.
The best way is to have your own springs redone and go through a number of wrecks until you can find enough good inserts for one set of springs.

Ken

Thanks everyone. Near enough isn't really good enough in terms of originality. I hadn't realised about the inserts - has anyone had  springs redone and is it an effective solution? And are the inserts likely to be in need of replacement or is it a "take them apart and see" proposition?

Cheers...Ken  

There is an article in May 05 Streetmachine which details the leaf spring retensioning process.

I recently purchased what I believe to be the original inserts from Rare Spares by mail order - they had a Holden label on the packet and matched the ones in the leaf springs I pulled apart.

They were round whitish plastic or nylon with a rosette that clipped into the hole in the leaf spring. Perhaps these were from a later model and my springs had already had inserts replaced in a previous life?

I took my leaf spring sets apart and had each leaf powdercosted satin black prior to reassembly.

The special centre bolt was also obtained from Rare Spares.

I think they present pretty close to the original condition...or better ;)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/fc_58-59/FC%20Resto/dif.jpg)

not as good as the drag link - hey Mr Fast Eddie  ;D

Nothing is as good as the drag link!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/fc_58-59/FC%20Resto/drl1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/fc_58-59/FC%20Resto/drl2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/fc_58-59/FC%20Resto/drl3.jpg)

NB. Contact "Drag Ling Boy" aka CraigA for all enquiries regarding drag link reconditioning and restoration. As they say, " No one knows drag links like Drag Link Boy"

Edward, you should 'Chuck' up a picture of the excellent work carried out by the well known and respected 'Jute Boy'. Now there's someone who knows their stuff!!

Effie C and Ken Neipp,

Just to let you know Mayne Spring works has shut down.  I wouldn't have recommended them anyway.  The camping shop across the road from them was full of stories about them hooning round in customers cars (including my own father's car at one stage) ane being generally dodgy.

I've had leaf springs reset a number of times on 4WDs with excellent and long lasting results.

Regards
Dave

Fast Eddie - thanks for the pics. Nothing like a few images to make things clearer. Interesting to see the car too! I wasn't really sure where the inserts were, as mine must be covered in paint and hidden.
And Dave thanks for the advice. I think I' ll go with your suggestion and get them retensioned. Anyone you've dealt with that you would recommend?

Cheers....Ken  

Ed sorry to inform you that your spring inserts are approx EH vintage and not correct.  The original inserts are rectangular in shape and have the same insert through the hole in the leaf, but also a ridge along aech side to stop them turning around.
Usually the outer inserts are worn through and the inner ones are OK, so it is a matter of getting good inner inserts from springs.
Have a look at the FE workshop manual.  Page 103 clearly shows the inserts.

Ken

Ed, I noticed you have a pair of the Nasco heavy duty drag link covers - are you going to put them on?
I always found that they seemed to detract from the look of the drag link.

Ken

Ken Kneipp,

The last place I used was in the Valley in Brisbane but has since closed down.  I'm sorry I haven't looked into it for a couple of years now so I'm not up to date anymore.

Good luck in your search, if you find a good place let everyone know on the forum.

Cheers
Dave

Jute Boy hard at work...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/fc_58-59/FC%20Resto/jute.jpg)

Thanks Dave....will see what I can find out.

Cheers...Ken Kneipp

Ken,

Talk about "eagle eyes".

No, I don't plan to fit the rubber drag link covers.

Regards

Edward