<VV> 64 leaf Spring

[Dave Thompson]

All this talk about 64 leaf springs got me wondering. I looked again at the
tag on my rear coil springs on my 63 Spyder clone which has a 64 drive
train.  The Clark's tags that are still on the springs show the correct part
number for a 64. However, I do not have a transverse leaf spring installed
(yet). Now that I have learned that 64's had different coil springs because
of the leaf spring, I understand why the rear of my car is so low. While I
was looking at the springs, I noticed that both rear tires were severely
worn in the inside edge. It seems to me that the wear is due to the softer
springs allowing the rear to sag thus giving positive (or is it negative,
top of tire tucked in) or wrong camber. 

 

AM I right?

 

I have a pair of 64 rear A-frames, transverse leaf spring and assorted
hardware "in stock" in my shop. However, I noticed this morning that the
cross shaft bushing holes on one of the A-arms is worn out of round. That
means that it needs to be replaced before I convert/install the 64 A-arms
and leaf spring. 

 

This morning, My 17 year old son & I are going to Pick-A-Part to get some
parts to repair his Toyota after a minor fender bender. They have a 63 Monza
hard top almost completely stripped there. I intend to look and see if the
rear springs are intact and possibly get the pair. Since my Spyder is my
daily driver, I don't have the time to have my car down to change out the
suspension to 64 right now. Besides, I need to get another A-arm.  I will
see what it takes for ME to remove the springs at the junk yard. This will
allow me to decide  whether I should just change out the springs now or do
the complete conversion. I intend to take the rear axles from the junk yard
car anyway as long as the bearings are good (perhaps the steering box too).

 

Dave Thompson

63 Spyder vert

Westminster, CA