Topic: Leaf Spring Straps

[bryancobb]

Anyone interested in a set of "round-hole" leaf sprng straps?  I did a CAD drawing and I'm having me a set water-jetted.
I have a steel rectangular FoMoCo stamp to stamp them with.  1/4"x1/2".  We'll still have to use the rubber rectangles from a repro set.

I guess the price will go down if qty goes up, otherwise MY ONE set will be $85.

[68 S Code]

If these are similar to the 68 straps than I would like a set. I underhand that they are different lengths though. Bryan I can send you a pic of mine.

[CharlesTurner]

Have you found originals with a FoMoCo stamp?

[TLea]

I think Jim Cowles was already making the round hole ones

[bryancobb]

Have you found originals with a FoMoCo stamp?

No Charles.  Mine are plain with no markings of any kind.  They are probably OEM but I have no way of being sure.   My unfinished sentence should have read "I have a steel rectangular FoMoCo stamp to stamp them with if the real ones are suppose to be."  LOL

I don't want to go down this path if someone already has.  I'm gonna try to contact Jim Cowles.

[bryancobb]

OK?  Now I have questions...
The one I flattened out has a ROUND HOLE.  There has been reference to "D" shaped holes.  I THINK mine are OEM but is a "D" hole correct for some models.years.
Where the bent over tab has been wearing for 45 years, it HAS slightly worn a straight line but I can tell the hole is suppose to be round.

An NOW (glad I found out BEFORE cuttting) I have learned that there are 3 lengths. 
My flattened one is exactly 1" wide, 7.240" long, and 13ga steel. (0.0897")
I'll make mine out of 12ga (0.1046") since we have no 13ga in stock.

I'm at work so I can't measure but I think the springs are exactly 2.5" wide.  I'll have to clamp the springs together tonight and measure the sandwich to get the 3 lengths of straps.
The flat developments will change since the material is 15 thousandths thicker.  I'll use A1011 sheet.

Here's a picture of mine.  Does anyone know if the repops are also 1" wide.  I will need to use the rubbers off of a set of repops.

[CharlesTurner]

You'll need to take account for stretching of the metal around the bends.  Jim usually has these in stock, so not sure it's worth the effort to reproduce.

I've never seen an original clamp with a fomoco stamp.

[bryancobb]

You'll need to take account for stretching of the metal around the bends.  Jim usually has these in stock, so not sure it's worth the effort to reproduce.

I'll call him.

[bryancobb]

Just ordered a set from Jim Cowles.  Thanks for the heads up.

[bryancobb]

Just a heads-up on the Jim Cowles straps...
The Shelby springs that his straps are made for are higher rate springs, therefore I guess they are thicker than my standard springs.

This makes 4 out of the 6 a little too long.  When they are properly installed, the bent over tab will almost slip back through the hole.

Also, on my (presumed to be) original ones, in post #5 above,  the tab is square on the tip.  The Jim Cowles ones are round.  I would bet that the originals he used to copy were rounded, since someone who does what he did usualy pays attention to the tiniest details.