Topic: leaf spring clamp installation

[evantugby]

Is there a specific tool to put these leaf spring clamps on? How are you guys doing it? 

Second question: do you put them on before leaf springs are mounted to kar?  they're in installed?

[J_Speegle]

Second question: do you put them on before leaf springs are mounted to kar?  they're in installed?

When in doubt copy what the factory did    They were installed to the springs before they were shipped to the car assembly plants

Is there a specific tool to put these leaf spring clamps on? How are you guys doing it? 

Series of C clamps. Believe someone posted a series of pictures of the arrangement in a prior thread

Remember to protect surfaces from scratching the spring or clamp finishes.

1- Springs bolted together- held secure to a bench or some form of holder.

2- One C clamp to hold the clamp in place to the spring. If you center it or slightly off center towards the side with the hole in the strap

3- One C clamp to hold the sides into the spring.

4-  Collapse/bend the end of the strap with the tab to the spring surface. If you off set the first C clamp then you can close it completely.

5- Remove the first c clamp if you haven't already and close the other end of the strap and engage the tab tightly

You done - remove everything and move on to the next one. Don't forget the insulator

[CharlesTurner]

I use a bench vise with smooth jaws and a hammer.

[evantugby]

When in doubt copy what the factory did    They were installed to the springs before they were shipped to the car assembly plants


Series of C clamps. Believe someone posted a series of pictures of the arrangement in a prior thread

Remember to protect surfaces from scratching the spring or clamp finishes.

1- Springs bolted together- held secure to a bench or some form of holder.

2- One C clamp to hold the clamp in place to the spring. If you center it or slightly off center towards the side with the hole in the strap

3- One C clamp to hold the sides into the spring.

4-  Collapse/bend the end of the strap with the tab to the spring surface. If you off set the first C clamp then you can close it completely.

5- Remove the first c clamp if you haven't already and close the other end of the strap and engage the tab tightly

You done - remove everything and move on to the next one. Don't forget the insulator

Thanks Jeff!  I'll knock this out tomorrow.  It's a federal holiday so a down day.    BTW, when you say clamp insulator, you're referring to the rubber insulator already attached to each spring clamp in the picture, correct?  If so mine came attached. 

[J_Speegle]

..................... BTW, when you say clamp insulator, you're referring to the rubber insulator already attached to each spring clamp in the picture, correct?  If so mine came attached.

Yes one in the same. Forget it or it falls off your not going to be happy

[evantugby]

Copy that!  Thank you.

[67gtasanjose]

NOTE:
I have seen a dimple on the sides of original straps, not found on the reproductions that I have bought. Perhaps this had to do with how they were "pinched/bent" around the springs?

[J_Speegle]

NOTE:
I have seen a dimple on the sides of original straps, not found on the reproductions that I have bought. Perhaps this had to do with how they were "pinched/bent" around the springs?

Not sure if that detail was there on all years and both styles of clamps.  Do your clamps have the round or square tab hole?

[67gtasanjose]

Not sure if that detail was there on all years and both styles of clamps.  Do your clamps have the round or square tab hole?

Square tab hole. These are off a Sept '66 dated pair of springs I had sent in from So. Calif.

[J_Speegle]

Square tab hole. These are off a Sept '66 dated pair of springs I had sent in from So. Calif.

Need to look through a bunch of pictures for additional documentation, details and examples

[evantugby]

I am hoping to install my leaf spring clamps today.  I am trying to find the correct positioning and also if my 1966 Metuchen kar had round or square tab holes.  My springs are:  C4ZA5556S with build dates of 295E5

Thank you! 

[Bossbill]

Is this a good thread to discuss the change over date from square to round tab hole?

On edit -- see my reply 14 below.

[evantugby]

Found some concours pictures online showing the correct location for leaf spring clamps.  Wanted to provide a few pictures for those who want to know how to install leaf spring clamps.  This set of springs is C4ZA-5556S off of my 1966 Metuchen k-code fastback. 

Pic 1:  Clamps used to keep leaf springs straight.  Note the c-clap used on the left to help the leaf spring clamp fit tight to the leaf spring.
Pic 2:  Important:  Clamps will have a two short, two medium, & two long sizes.  Make sure to line these up in correct spot
Pic 3:  Use c-clamp tool to hold clamp in place
Pic 4:  Use soft mallet to start making the bend around the leaf spring.  Then use c-clamps to help make the bend final and tight on both sides of clamp. 
Pic 5:  Use soft mallet to bend tabs over.

[J_Speegle]

Is this a good thread to discuss the change over date from square to round tab hole?

Bob Gaines was surprised that my 67 SJ springs (date coded C7 -- 040) were square.

Since that would be a year specific discussion I suggest a new thread in the 67-8 section.

[Bossbill]

New thread for 67-68 leaf spring clamp eye changeover date created here:
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=17767.msg112222#msg112222