Topic: Coil Spring Finish

[Building 3]

What is the current thinking on the finish of the front coil springs?  The MCA rules state semi-gloss black or "may be natural."  Unfortunately my springs were previously spray painted gloss black sometime in the past. This would be for a Dearborn 1965 build of a C-Code automatic without A/C. Thank you

[Bob Gaines]

What is the current thinking on the finish of the front coil springs?  The MCA rules state semi-gloss black or "may be natural."  Unfortunately my springs were previously spray painted gloss black sometime in the past. This would be for a Dearborn 1965 build of a C-Code automatic without A/C. Thank you

Current thinking is that they came both ways. Semi gloss black evidence on some ,dark heat treated (natural?) spring steel on many others (what I have seen most 65-67 SJ ). I think that the painted was more prevalent in the later years 68-70 or at least in (Dearborn) then the earlier years 65-67SJ . Both were used in both time periods some more then others probably the plant had something to do with it also. Just personal observations that I and input from others have helped me get a sense of what to expect. 

[J_Speegle]

Sometimes a good place to start is the search feature here

Some previous threads

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=7515.msg42805#msg42805

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=4342.msg24078#msg24078

Personally never found any that were painted black but we've been over that subject a number of times. But MCA does allow you currently to choose your finish

Here is a picture of a front coil spring from a 65 Dearborn just for the metal finish

[Bob Gaines]

Sometimes a good place to start is the search feature here

Some previous threads

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=7515.msg42805#msg42805

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=4342.msg24078#msg24078

Personally never found any that were painted black but we've been over that subject a number of times. But MCA does allow you currently to choose your finish

Here is a picture of a front coil spring from a 65 Dearborn just for the metal finish

Try to convince Brant  .

[J_Speegle]

Try to convince Brant  .

Don't have or needed  to   But more than happy to discuss evidence and original examples

Still waiting for an example that reacts (lifts and curls the "paint")  from paint removed

[CharlesTurner]

Ever since I started paying attention to this detail, seen more that appear to just be a darkened heat-treat.  I usually soak original springs in evapo-rust now, original markings come up nice.

[Bob Gaines]

Ever since I started paying attention to this detail, seen more that appear to just be a darkened heat-treat.  I usually soak original springs in evapo-rust now, original markings come up nice.

+1

[Building 3]

Thanks for your help in the responses. I'll do a better job with the search feature next time.

[rocket289k]

Related topic.  Rear springs over time lose their arc and eventually need to be re-arced or replaced.  What's the prevailing line of thought on the lifespan of the front coils?  Given the heavier gauge material I assume they "should" last a lot longer.

Regards,


Ron

[J_Speegle]

Related topic.  Rear springs over time lose their arc and eventually need to be re-arced or replaced.  What's the prevailing line of thought on the lifespan of the front coils?  Given the heavier gauge material I assume they "should" last a lot longer.

I've never had to re-arch rear leaf springs or address any issue with sagging front coils. Now cut or heated ones is another issue front springs. Many of my cars have spent more of their lives without engines of transmissions in the car reducing allot of the stress especially on the front but also all of the springs

[lscman]

Can you phosphate the front coils for that darkened look?

[CharlesTurner]

Can you phosphate the front coils for that darkened look?

Sure, just use manganese phosphate as zinc phosphate will be too light.  Some use gun blue and there are other products like Insta-Blak...

[ChrisV289]

Sorry to bring this topic back up but I am finding traces of semi gloss black underneath both stripes on my front spring on the passenger side and traces on the driver side as well..

[J_Speegle]

Sorry to bring this topic back up but I am finding traces of semi gloss black underneath both stripes on my front spring on the passenger side and traces on the driver side as well..

Did the paint bubble up when you placed paint remover on it?  Or is the coating something you can scrap or chip off?

[ChrisV289]

Let me know if these help. Did bubble a little bit when I sprayed some paint stripper at the bottom inside.