When it comes to classic car restoration,
most people concentrate on the interior and exterior, and the
engine and transmission; however, when wanting to restore your
classic to good condition, don’t forget about the suspension system,
especially the springs. In this edition of Hemming’s Garage, and
with the help of the Eaton Detroit Spring Company, Inc., of Detroit,
Michigan, Sam and Dennis take a look at replacing coil and leaf
springs for your classic car.
Just as it can be said, “rust never sleeps,” the
same is true in that, “springs never rest.” Today, Sam and Dennis
take a look at replacing the springs on a 1963 Thunderbird. In
fact, this car still has the original coil springs in front and
leaf springs in the rear, so that means that these springs have
been holding up approximately 4,000 pounds for almost 40 years!
An important issue to remember here is that even though someone
may not be driving the car, those springs continue to work around
the clock in supporting the weight of the vehicle. Fortunately,
the folks at Eaton Detroit Spring Company have the answers when
it comes time to “take a load off” those worn and original springs.
After Sam demonstrates the proper installation procedure
for the front coil springs on the T-Bird, we move to the rear
of the car where Dennis directs us in how to recognize if leaf
springs are in need of replacement. At this time, Sam and Dennis
also note that the folks at Eaton Detroit Spring also carry a
full line of bushings, shackles, and u-bolts that are manufactured
to precisely fit your vintage car.
Quality is essential to the people at Eaton Detroit
Spring Company and all their springs are made to OE specifications
from the highest quality SAE 5160 Alloy Steel. They have a variety
of coil and leaf springs to fit just about any classic, and with
over 20,000 blueprints on file dating back to the 1890s, you can
bet that they will probably be able to take care of your needs.
Eaton Detroit Spring Company also carries several accessories
such as internal and external spring compressors, and they can
also custom make springs for your classic that can raise or lower
your vehicle up to two inches. Also, when purchasing springs from
the Eaton Detroit Spring Company, you can rest assured that the
job will be done correctly because they have been in business
since 1937. So, if you own a Model T Ford, a 1932 Dual Cowl Packard
Phaeton, or a 1970 Buick, the Mike Eaton and the staff at Eaton
Detroit Spring Company can provide the correct springs for your
vehicle. As they say, “While others look to the future, we dwell
in the past.” For more information from Eaton Detroit Spring Company,
give them a call at 313-963-3839, or you can catch them on the
web at www.eatonsprings.com.
Also, don’t forget, when it comes to questions about
these parts, or for any other parts for your restoration project,
check with us at www.myclassiccar.com,
and remember, when buying or selling anything automotive, look
to Hemming’s Motor News at www.hemmings.com.
Good luck and Happy Motoring!
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