C1 Repro Leaf Springs

[Leon Brown]

My car is sitting way to high in the back. {'ve removed my 61 rear leaf springs and they measure 53 1/2" overall. These are reproductions.
I've read they should measure 51". Would someone confirm this? Is that overall or eye to eye? AND, Has anyone else had trouble with repro springs? What is the preferred way of measuring these?
Leon

[John H.]

Re: C1 Repro Leaf Springs

Originals were 51" in the free state, measured from the center of the front eye to the center of the rear eye. Measuring reproductions in the free state, including an "arch" dimension, is a crapshoot, as springs are designed to be at a specified deflection dimension under their design load, not in the free state.

[Leon Brown]

Re: C1 Repro Leaf Springs

Thanks John,
After a temp installation of the rebound straps, it is quite apparent the springs are not going to reach the housing once hung in the straps. Is this where I use the Joe Calcagno, spring 87 issue of Restorer and jack the springs to the rear end housing. Both ends are bolted and the springs are short of reaching the housing, as mentioned. I'm afraid when removing pressure after assembly it will rip the straps from the frame. What do you think?
What the helk, it's worth a shot. If anything else, I'm sure this has been entertaining.
Leon

[Larry Poropat]

Re: C1 Repro Leaf Springs

The repo springs I got from CC did the same thing. I had to make 2" blocks and have new U bolts made 2" longer to get it to set level.
LP