MTFCA Forum

Depending on where the steel was used on the Model T Vanadium steel was used in different mixtures in creating the various alloys Ford used in the construction of the Model T. From what I have read, vanadium made the steel lighter while maintaining its strength. I was curious as to what type of steel was used by Ford in making the 1926, Ford script, 8 leaf, non-tapered, low arch front spring. Jim Patrick

Spring steel. Vanadium steel is harder, stronger, but when it bends, it stays! Low arch normally is a sign of fatigue.

Hank

This will take some digging because there are about a half dozen alloys in various percentage that are used for making steel, depending upon that characteristics are wanted.

Art Mirtes

Tempered spring steel. Sorry but that is all I got!

After a quick review, vanadium is not used in leaf springs, but manganese is as well as some trace elements such as silicon. Carbon content at 4 to maybe .8 percent.
More recent springs have some chrome and magnesium.

Art Mirtes