Model A rear spring spreader needed

[RayTheRat]

Does someone in the Salt Lake City area have a spring spreader for the rear spring of a Model A Ford?  As I understand it, these are somewhat different from those used in 32-48 (?) Fords because the spring is positioned directly above the axle and the differential housing prevents a straight line between shackle eyes. 

I made something out of a couple of 2x4s to keep the spring spread out while I replaced the rear axle in my 29, but the spring tension caused the ends to collapse slightly and as a result it's left the width of the spring about 3/4" short of allowing the shackle to be inserted.  I know there are other ways to do this, but in a discussion with a friend, the idea of asking here came up and I figured it's worth a try.

Thanks,

Ray Buck aka Ray the Rat

[4-barrel Mike]

Ray:

   I have a friend that will readily allow me to borrow his spring spreader, but I've never needed it.  Here's how I do it:

1. Carefully disassemble the spring (use a couple of heavy c-clamps)
2. Set the main leaf on the axle with 2x4's under each spring perch.
3. Put one shackle in.
4. Use a big clamp to slowly compress the spring.  I use a large metal "Quick-Grip" meant for woodworking.  Rather than using the clamp to compress, I carefully bounce on the spring and just take up the slack with the clamp.
5. When the second shackle holes line up, insert the shackle.
6. Using a piece of all-thread for alignment, use the clamps to recompress the spring clamp.

Total time, usually about 20 minutes. 

Oh, I always replace the old, used spring bolt with a nice new grade-8 socket head of appropriate size.

I don't have to say be careful do I?

Mike

[RayTheRat]

Well, I'd hoped to do it without removing the rear spring, but that might not be possible.  This is a genuine rat rod and the main spring bolt is (at least at this time) permanently attached to the crossmember (some previous owner welded it in place.) I spose I could back up 20 yards and remove said spring bolt, etc., but I was sorta lookin for a shortcut so I can get this critter back on its feet and make some room in my garage for other projects.

Hmmm...time to think this one over a bit.  And no, I don't need to be reminded to take care with springs.  I've had my own "learning experiences" with 'em.  Thanks, anyway. 

RtR

[SPARKY]

one of the "mags showed making one out of a tubing with a flattend end and and nut welded in the other for a bolt with long threads--make somehing "safe" for the bolt head to work against on the other end..

[Glen]

Ray
Isn't there a Model-A club in SLC.

[RayTheRat]

Yeah, there's a Utah Model A club.  They meet in Ogden.  I've met a couple of members.  However, looking for it on the web gave me a phone number and I'll follow up on that.  Btw, there's a chapter in St. George.  It's on this page:
http://www.mafca.com/chapters/UT.html

[dwarner]

How about Hugh Coltharpe, he is in SLC area and should have everything related to hot rods. He is the treasurer of USFRA.

DW

[RayTheRat]

I don't know him...that I know of.  Got an email addy?  (If ya do, ya might wanna send it in a PM.)

Ray

[dwarner]

Did you look at the USFRA website?

www.saltflats.com

DW

[RayTheRat]

Well...I looked there, but didn't find him exactly, but I sent an email and perhaps it'll lead me in the right direction

Thanks,

RtR

[Clay Pitkin]

I dont have his number or his email addy, however the USFRA meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at Totems on Redwood Road at 7 PM . If Hugh is not there, I am sure there is other guys who would be able to help you.

Clay

[Stan Back]

I hope in the last two months he's solved the problem.