C1 59: Rebound strap

[Rob M.]

Dear Corvette lovers,

The next part of my restoration is installing the rebound straps and the rubber bumpers. These last parts will not cause any problem but the rebound straps are a challange. Some research in the archives of the NCRS learns me that they should be 29.5 inch long so I'll measure up the send straps for correctness but I'm bothered with the rivits and the needed tooling.

I understood a Mongoose tool is needed and I'm in doubt if this tool can be found in the Netherlands. I understand sort of tool with a C-clamp can be build but I don't know where to find the specs for it.

Does anyone has an idee where to purchase the needed Mongoose tool and what the costs of this tool are ?

Another question is, how to install the straps. I understand the heads should all face forward or backwards (both options are accepted as correct). Can simply put the car on a bridge and install the straps (without further compressing the spring to reduce the distance between the axle and the frame or do you need to take additional actions (e.g. putting more wait into the car) or are the straps long enough to mount them with 'normal' body weight ?

thanks for your help,
Rob Musquetier
The Netherlands

[John M.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

Rob,
There is an article on the Restorer CD on how to build one if you have the restorer CD. They are made from a KD nutsplitter. Mine is lent out right now, but if you are in no hurry to put your straps on, you can borrow mine when it gets back. To go out and buy one of them will cost almost $300 last time I saw one for sale, and you can build one for about $100 including the price of the nutsplitter and the machine work needed. The straps will install with normal body weight on the suspension. I have tried to install the rivets with several methods and never got the correct look that the proper tool will give.

Regards, John McGraw

[Richard E.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

John/Rob - The article you speak of is in Vol 21 - #3. There is also another article by Joe Calcagno in Vol 13 - #2 which shows another tool option made from a C-clamp and small air impact hammer. Also another article in Vol 14 - #3 covering rebound strap installation. Only drwaback is it was done with the body off, but still some good stuff. All articles should be in the Restorer CD. I'll be doing mine whenever the cold lets up and I get the ambition. (Could be a long wait)

Regards and luck to you Rob, Dick Eaton

[Joe D.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

Rob, I rented a tool from Paragon. It was $25.00 and a deposit of $150.00 which is refunded to you when you return the tool. I ordered the straps and rivets from them also. I ordered an extra set of rivetes just incase I needed them while I had the tool. I did use two of the extra rivets. It took me a couple of tries before I got it right. Good Luck, Joe DeLuca

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

I've just loaded the Corvette Restorer CD and found the mentioned articles. Very usefull that CD!

Only the text is very small on my 1920x1200 laptop LCD.

greetings and thanks for the tip,
Rob.

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

I doubt if they are willing to send their tool to the Netherlands...

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

John,

I would like to use your offer of borrowing your tool. Lets discuss off-line how to get it to the Netherlands and back (I'll mail you a private mail).

If you find it to risky to send it to the Netherlands (which I can understand) could someone send me some pictures of the self-made tools because I fail to understand how its build or what a nutsplitter or C-clamp is... (These technical terminology is hard to translate for me)...

thanks,
Rob.

[John M.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

Rob,
I have no qualms about sending the tool over to you. If losing a tool that has earned it's keep many time over is the worst that happens to me, then I will be happy.

Regards, John McGraw

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

Then indeed I would love to borrow it. I'll make sure you get it back !!!

[Joe D.]

Re: C1 59: Rebound strap

I think they would be willing to send it to you, but I think you would be unwilling to pay for the shipping.