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1/4 elliptical spring build Questions

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by testpilot, Sep 1, 2008.

  1. testpilot
    Joined: Apr 18, 2006
    Posts: 207

    testpilot
    Member
    from Denver

    Folks I want to use 1/4 springs to support the rear of the MOdel A.. here are the items i have considered

    2 options

    1) buying poises springs

    2) save some money for diapers

    buy (2) 20" trailer springs double eye type
    shift leafs to one side and redrill


    Does anyone see an issue with the structural concern of the main leaf having a hole?

    I am following 26T thread on drilling the leafs sounds like a B-tch to drill.
     
  2. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 9,397

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska
    1. Central Nebraska H.A.M.B.

    I've built several chassis with 1/4 elliptic rears using the Posie springs and P&J ladder bars. The first 1/4 setup I ever built 20 years ago used a 40 front spring cut in half and redrilled for the spring bolts. I used the springs on the top and a pair of bars on the bottom with a panard. See the car every year at the LARS, it has over a 100,000 K with no problems.
     
  3. Goztrider
    Joined: Feb 17, 2007
    Posts: 3,066

    Goztrider
    Member
    from Tulsa, OK

    I have some brand new trailer springs... 3500 pounders... 3 of them. PM me if you're interested.
     
  4. The37Kid
    Joined: Apr 30, 2004
    Posts: 30,629

    The37Kid
    Member

    Has anyone used a waterjet to "drill" the holes?
     

  5. JOECOOL
    Joined: Jan 13, 2004
    Posts: 2,771

    JOECOOL
    Member

    I've posted this several times and should be in the archives,I used 57 Chevy rear springs ,short stiffer front half on the front ,weaker longer half on the back. Plasma cut two holes thru them ,bolted them on the underside of the frame (reinforcement inside)and they worked great on a Model a with a SBC.
     
  6. depends on the trailer axles!!! if they came from mobile home,they will not have the flex in them for any length of time they are not designed to have that kinda use.they will snap......Im using the Posies 1/4 set-up under the back of the Pie Wagon
     
  7. unclechop
    Joined: Apr 24, 2007
    Posts: 280

    unclechop
    Member

    as for drilling holes use a masonary drill bit sharpened the same as a metal drill,i have drilled through files no problems with these.
    they are inexpensive and the tips are usually tungsten carbide.
     
  8. 1rustyhighcab
    Joined: Mar 22, 2008
    Posts: 118

    1rustyhighcab
    Member

    I made my quarter elliptical springs from original 36 chevy pickup front springs. since I started with two semi elliptical spring packs, I cut the springs about an inch and a half away from the center bolt , instead of cutting them directly in the middle. this allowed me to use the original centerbolt location, so no drilling is required.
     
  9. 26T
    Joined: Jul 8, 2006
    Posts: 112

    26T
    Member
    from Denver

    After what I've been through I would agree with this. It's worth the price of the extra spring to not have to drill. I haven't finished mine yet and I doubt I will. Learned a lot about sharpening bits though! It's easy once you get it down.
     
  10. testpilot
    Joined: Apr 18, 2006
    Posts: 207

    testpilot
    Member
    from Denver

    i was looking to have a spring with the a double eye LIke th posie setup !! Thoughts
     
  11. terrarodder
    Joined: Sep 9, 2005
    Posts: 1,101

    terrarodder
    Member
    from EASTERN PA


    Do you have a spring shop in your town, a good shop can do that for you. Thats what I plan on doing.
     
  12. 26T
    Joined: Jul 8, 2006
    Posts: 112

    26T
    Member
    from Denver

    I checked on getting an eye put in too. It can be done and you,d still come out ahead of the posies kit. However the time I have in mine now I wished I had sprung for the kit. If you take everyones advice here you can build a cheap elliptical setup. Just don't learn the hard way like me!
     
  13. timmy t
    Joined: Mar 16, 2008
    Posts: 207

    timmy t
    Member

    I had a buddy with a mill drill my springs.We used a masonary bit, plenty of oil and the mill set to run real slow.
     
  14. brewsir
    Joined: Mar 4, 2001
    Posts: 3,278

    brewsir
    Member

    I have used both...posies and homebuilt. It all depends on how much money you have laying around versus what is your time worth ...and do you take pride in building it yourself.
     
  15. 1rustyhighcab
    Joined: Mar 22, 2008
    Posts: 118

    1rustyhighcab
    Member

    I did have to drill one leaf on each sping pack. I made the third leaf out of what was left of the main leaf. I did this so I would have a spring eye at the rear of the pack. I also reversed the arch of that leaf. after I get everything mounted I'll post some pics of them.
     
  16. turbostude
    Joined: Nov 8, 2006
    Posts: 342

    turbostude
    Member
    from minnesota

    anybody put something like teflon between those springs? I'm doing a setup like this and wonder about "sticktion" between the leaves.....
     
  17. wrencher
    Joined: Nov 11, 2006
    Posts: 39

    wrencher
    Member

    I used 2 trailer srpings taht were rated at 1500lbs apiece then cut them in half. I am using these in the front on my 47 stude project.
     
  18. 067chevy
    Joined: Sep 18, 2005
    Posts: 2,073

    067chevy
    Member

    I did a tech on this last year. Its not as hard as you think to drill leaf springs. Drill press and good drill bits and the ability to sharpen a bit is all it takes. I've built several 1/4 elliptical front suspensions using model a front springs.
     
  19. car/truck springs are made different than trailer springs,,,,,,,good luck.but DO NOT trust them
     
  20. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,394

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    See if some of our English HAMBers can send you a pic of the early Jaguar that ran 1/4 elliptic style rear sprngs. i know it was the model with the narrow rear axle and had a kidney shaped grille. I guess the model AA truck also ran that type of deal.
     

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