<VV> 64 leaf spring ...

[Dave Thompson]

Bill,
The second photo partially shows the head of the bolt. From the provided
view, it looks like the bolt is NOT a grade 8. It seems to me that a bolt
that takes so much stress and is subject to breaking should be a grade 8. 
Of course, I realize that I am not speaking with experience due to the fact
that my 63 does not have a leaf spring.

Just my opinion

Dave Thompson

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris & Bill Strickland [mailto:lechevrier at earthlink.net] 
Sent: Friday, November 13, 2009 12:14 AM
To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> 64 leaf spring ...

The broken bolt/nut/whatever is one (more) reason *not* to use a 64 
differential -- much easier to remove the spring from the car if one has 
only the other bolt to disconnect, and my one, first, and, last 
experience with the bolt breaking  was without the "correct" diff and it 
was fairly untraumatic as the spring just swung down behind the car and 
followed along making a rather noticeable racket until I could get 
pulled over.  Since then, I've only used high grade hardware to hold the 
springs up, and inspect them routinely. I also carry spares.  Knock on 
wood ...

And, if/when you break a bolt, it will be on a day like Tony recently 
described for his flat tire, but it will be at night.
And, ironically, Tony's post on this was #11 in my Digest.

They are susceptible to physical damage, so frequent inspection for 
unforseen problems is highly recommended.  And, if the bushings are 
worn, the bolts can wear against the spring.  I'll see if I can find 
some pics of abused bolts to attach.

The one of the bolt bent into a Z shape eludes me, but note the wear on 
these, esp the washer under the head of the bolt, and the top side of 
the castelated nut.

Bill Strickland
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