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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
 
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Dropping the tank is not hard. Siphon out the gas. Disconnect the line. Disconnect the vent hose. Then just 2 T-bolts. Have a 3/8" wrench handy for the fuel sender nut. That's it. 😉
Posted on: 6/23 15:25
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry |
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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Yep, removing and cleaning the tank was one of my first projects when I got the car. I thought maybe I was missing something, happens sometimes.
Posted on: 6/23 15:34
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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That being said, couldn't you remove the nuts and the outboard plate, and slide the spring/bushing off the bolt?
Posted on: 6/23 16:21
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1955 400 | Registry | Project Blog
1955 Clipper Deluxe | Registry | Project Blog 1955 Clipper Super Panama | Registry |
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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Oh boy, I would say you are correct! Nothing like a little over-thinking to over-complicate a project! LOL
Posted on: 6/23 16:42
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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I finally decided to tackle my leaf springs to see if I could fix the rear drivers side which is sitting a bit low. I started pulling things apart and right away I found that the smaller leaf is broken. All excited thinking I found the problem, I went and robbed one from my parts car, cleaned everything up, gave things a coat of paint, put everything back together, and...............it's the same. Well that's disappointing....
Maybe that broken leaf is only a symptom of another problem, such as a weak leaf or maybe more than one. Maybe I'll pull it apart again and see how they compare to the ones on the parts car. Maybe I can swap all but the main leaf and cure the sag??? Maybe I should swap the leaves from the passenger side to the drivers side? Or maybe I'll take both decks off and take them to the spring shop.... More adventures coming soon! 
Posted on: 7/1 1:39
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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I'd take both springs to a spring shop, if you're lucky enough to have one, or put new ones on.
You could probably mix and match leaves from the parts car on both sides and get it fairly level, but it might be more trouble than it's worth, and you'd still have weak springs. Measure between the axle and the rubber bumper on the frame with the full weight on the springs and the car parked on a level surface. I would also spray both springs with a lubricant, like Micromist. Old springs can get stiff with dirt and rust. Grease the front suspension, too, and look for any evidence of spring issues there. Also be sure that the U-bolts that hold the rear springs to the axle are tightened evenly and to the correct torque. How tight the U-bolts are can affect ride height. Be sure tires match. Getting the rear springs in order will probably show the front springs to be sagged. Replacements are available. Good springs and shocks will go a long way toward restoring ride and handling.
Posted on: 7/1 7:45
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Webmaster
 
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When I got the '54 Clipper, its rear was saggy, and I would always scrap the tailpipe when pulling out of the driveway at a previous house.
I installed a pair of $50 Helper Leaf Springs and that brought everything back up to the correct height. The great thing about those as they install without taking any of the rear suspension apart. As far as correct replacements, I think they can be ordered from Eaton.
Posted on: 7/1 9:00
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-BigKev
1954 Packard Clipper Deluxe Touring Sedan -> Registry | Project Blog 1937 Packard 115-C Convertible Coupe -> Registry | Project Blog |
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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Quote:
We have a great spring shop in Calgary that has been around longer than my car! I may end up taking both spring packs to them and getting them to sort them out. The parts car is already apart, so I'll go rob the other leaves and see what they look like compared to mine. The car is sitting at the correct height, except this corner, so if I can get this sorted I should be good to go. Working on my car is always more trouble than it's worth, but it's never more trouble than it's worth to me! Even if I do the exact same work that someone else would do, it will ride better if I do the work myself.  I'll let you know how it goes!
Posted on: 7/1 10:07
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Re: Leaf Spring Removal
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Home away from home
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Look for any evidence of a bent frame, and check that the rear bumper is aligned correctly with the body. A bent frame is very unlikely but is a possibility.
Posted on: 7/1 10:20
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