The 23-25 runabouts used a special 6 leaf rear spring. My 23 has the wrong spring in it and I'd like to put the proper one back in the car. Preferably, I'd like to find an original spring for the car, but considering most originals have a significant amount of wear on them and shipping would cost a fortune, I may be better off having a new set made at a local spring shop. Does anybody here know the dimensions, lengths and heights, of the leaves in the special 6 leaf spring?
Thanks,
Stephen
Runabout rear spring
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Stephen_heatherly
Topic author - Posts: 386
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TRDxB2
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Re: Runabout rear spring
This may help
From https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/1 ... 1302150014
" Dave Martin on Wednesday, April 06, 2011 - 10:56 pm:
It�s interesting to note that the bottom two leafs are the same as the typical 8 leaf, and only the top 4 leafs are different, and have unique part numbers. The book also lists the tie bolt, but I don�t see different spring clips. There was recently a Roadster on the MTFCA classified ads that had this 6 leaf spring, the seller emailed photos, and the unique spring was clearly visible by the shorter leaf lengths.
I understand the parts book lists this unique spring as standard equipment for 22-25, but this particular car was the first one I have ever seen with this spring. Could there be evidence that maybe not all roadsters from the 22-25 years had this spring? With these being the highest production years, it seems like a lot more examples would be around. Unless they were too weak or failed prematurely?
I spoke with one of the gentleman making the �T� springs at Hershey a few years back, and he seemed receptive to making a 6 leaf, if drawings were supplied. I�d like to compare the drawings of the 6 and 8 leaf springs to see if the arch or shape is different, or if the difference lies solely in the length of the top 4 leafs.
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Part 3824c would be the entire spring. Since 3825B & 3825C are the first two leaves they would define the arch height (you already have those). Then 3826D, 3827D, 3829D & 3830D the remaining leaves. Also unique parts for the clamp & bolt
From https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/1 ... 1302150014
" Dave Martin on Wednesday, April 06, 2011 - 10:56 pm:
It�s interesting to note that the bottom two leafs are the same as the typical 8 leaf, and only the top 4 leafs are different, and have unique part numbers. The book also lists the tie bolt, but I don�t see different spring clips. There was recently a Roadster on the MTFCA classified ads that had this 6 leaf spring, the seller emailed photos, and the unique spring was clearly visible by the shorter leaf lengths.
I understand the parts book lists this unique spring as standard equipment for 22-25, but this particular car was the first one I have ever seen with this spring. Could there be evidence that maybe not all roadsters from the 22-25 years had this spring? With these being the highest production years, it seems like a lot more examples would be around. Unless they were too weak or failed prematurely?
I spoke with one of the gentleman making the �T� springs at Hershey a few years back, and he seemed receptive to making a 6 leaf, if drawings were supplied. I�d like to compare the drawings of the 6 and 8 leaf springs to see if the arch or shape is different, or if the difference lies solely in the length of the top 4 leafs.
--
--
Part 3824c would be the entire spring. Since 3825B & 3825C are the first two leaves they would define the arch height (you already have those). Then 3826D, 3827D, 3829D & 3830D the remaining leaves. Also unique parts for the clamp & bolt
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Humblej
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Re: Runabout rear spring
I have an 8 leaf spring on my unrestored midyear 1924 runabout.
The ride is very nice with the an 8 leaf, so a 6 leaf would probably be more like a bucking bronco.
The ride is very nice with the an 8 leaf, so a 6 leaf would probably be more like a bucking bronco.
Last edited by Humblej on Sun Jul 21, 2024 8:19 am, edited 2 times in total.
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John kuehn
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Re: Runabout rear spring
I think the rear spring in my 1919 Runabout is either 7 or 8 leaf. When I was acquiring the parts to build it years ago I had a partial body only and went from there. The frame I used had a rear spring but I didn’t know about which number of leaves was correct. All I knew was that it would fit. I don’t think I’ll change it now.
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Allan
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Re: Runabout rear spring
What makes your spring wrong? Number of leafs? Different arches? Wrong assembled height?
A rear spring in which all the leaf arches follow one another can simply be re-set to get the correct ride height if that is a problem. We have a master spring worker who waves his magic over whatever we take to him. The only problem is one must arrive at 6 pm. Make the mistake of getting to him at 4pm and you will still be there at 6pm!
Allan from down under.
A rear spring in which all the leaf arches follow one another can simply be re-set to get the correct ride height if that is a problem. We have a master spring worker who waves his magic over whatever we take to him. The only problem is one must arrive at 6 pm. Make the mistake of getting to him at 4pm and you will still be there at 6pm!
Allan from down under.