1/4 elliptical spring abberation

R

raceasprite

New member
I have a 62 Sprite (Vintage racer)with 1/4 elliptical, offset springs. I noticed before the final vintage grid today that the lowest of the three leaves does not fit flat against the upper two leaves on the right side of the car. The left looks fine. The leaf does not compress to touch the upper two even with someone leaning on the car.These were installed this year. I also installed tube shocks and removed the rear lever arm shocks. I still run drum brakes.
Any ideas what has caused this and can the car be driven like this? I decided to put it on the trailer rather than take a chance.
I tried to send a photo but it said the file is too big. I could email it if someone wants to see it.

thanks

david sweet
salem,or
 
I have those springs and have never seen them act that way. Can't look as i loaded for the Runoffs yesterday but if you will send photo to me also i will look Sunday when i unload.

hga_reh@bellsouth.net
 
David, I raced a Bugeye with offset 1/4 elliptical springs for 30 years, but never saw that problem. I'd like a picture or two, too. I suspect the problem may be in the bolts that hold the springs in the frame pocket.... I'm not going to the Runoffs so there won't be any delay. I also have a street Bugeye up on jackstands for reference. "eemale" to joeljane(at)cfl?rr?com - but replace ? with . Joel
 
From your description I understand the bottom leaf is flatter than the ones above, leaving a gap in the center of the arch.

If so, sounds like the bottom spring is cracked somewhere over its length, causing loss of arch. Likely emanating from one of the inside radii of the offset. I was "gifted" a box of springs with this condition. Only good for a pattern to fabricate a new one.

Not good as the bottom leaf is the only connection between the tub and axle housing.

Disassemble, inspect (magna-flux), and re-arch. Simple bump fixture in an arbor press. Reset ride height and all corner weights as this will really through them off.

RJS
 
Joel,
I have been out of town and haven't had a chance to catch up with the thread. I will send photos. I am not sure if I understand how to decipher your email so let me know if you don't get the photos

Thanks
David
 
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