Technical Overload spring for transverse leaf rear suspension (for 'shine hauling)

Can anyone give me an explanation as to how this type of overload spring, often used by moonshine haulers functioned? Was it a torsion spring like over garage doors? How did it attach? Anyone have pictures of one in use? I'm sure Junior Johnson must have used one.

 

Lothiandon, looks to me like it would hook over the eye ends of the spring and as the added weight tried to flatten out the spring the coil would help resist flattening out

 

.............I like that. So, do you think it would have been adjustable like a garage torsion spring for heavier loads?

 

Studebakerjoe is right on point, they hooked over each end of the transverse spring and they are adjustable much like the springs on a snow plow blade. Back in the day they also made leaf overloads that would mount above the rear spring and would only contact the main when the load was enough. In the collection I have a couple that mounted under the spring and the main would pull on it when loaded. The southern boys weren't they only ones running shine, many gallons went over the Canadian border.

 

I find it fascinating some of the innovations and engineering that 'shiners employed to help ply their trade, particularly in the hauler cars. Double shocks, these overload springs and I read once where some cars had back seat bottom cushions with springs that were the perfect size for inserting Mason jars of product so as to hide them. I'm guessing that only the more "sophisticated" runners actually used tanks like Mitchum in Thunder Road.

 

Sounds like Don is looking to do some moonlighting. Don't tell anyone!

What's in that corn cob pipe, anyway?

 

@lothiandon1940 .....Don’t forget....the Ford pickups of the era also used the same chassis and suspension design as the passenger cars. That overload spring would also fit the truck. It wasn’t only ‘shine runners who had a need for it. Not as ‘romantic’ as ‘shine, but just as useful.

 

......So very true. Good point.

 

I purchased my 40 coupe in late 90's and it had one on it. I never used it. It is a N.C. car, could have been
a shine hauler?? Who knows?? Food for thought & makes for a good story.

 

.....and who doesn't like a good story!