Leaf sprung A arm bolt washer and nut question

[CompClassics]

If I have some time tomorrow I'll photograph an original set that I have.

[1985 CCX]

I use the adjustable style... On the head of the bolt there is a flat so that it does not spin, easy to do on a grinder.
Here is a car from AC, the way they were...

[Mark IV]

With that leaf spring wrapped in the nastiest stuff known to man! I had the last N.O.S. leaf spring from AC when Autokraft took over all of the spares and the stuff that the spring is wrapped in gets all over everything! I have never seen such insidious, creeping black gunk in my life!

That is one thing we did NOT replicate with the Superformance MK II cars!

[MAStuart]

Nice picture Jeff. But I still need some pictures of original nuts, bolts and washers. I have heard different lengths on the bolt and that the washers are not just flat washers. I am making A arms and before I get to far I want to make sure things are right. In my drawings the numbers don't add up . The bushings and where they mount the numbers don't add up . The key to this might be the shape of the washer and the length of the shoulder on the bolt.

I would also be interested in others thoughts on what material the bolts should be made of. Hard that could snap off or a softer material that would bend before they would brake.

Mark

[MAStuart]

CompClassics It would be great if you have an originals you could take pictures of.

Mark

[1985 CCX]

John may have original unit...

I too did not wrap the spring, does not squeak so why bother?
I used flat washer and lock nut on gold car and also modified the mounting with third bracket. This car pictured has original style but it's not home yet to picture, finding original hardware is like finding a Unicorn. This part may not be but for the most part you may be knocking yourself out for nothing....
Use what works, that is what they did in the 60's

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by MAStuart

In my drawings the numbers don't add up .
I would also be interested in others thoughts on what material the bolts should be made of. Hard that could snap off or a softer material that would bend before they would brake.
Mark

The general dimensions listed in the AC Cars Ltd chassis manual won’t work on a rack and pinion steering Cobra with all O.E.M. components as they are just broad descriptions.

The original AC Cars C-62300 parts are mild steel and pretty soft, i.e. not hardened.

[LMH]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

With that leaf spring wrapped in the nastiest stuff known to man! I had the last N.O.S. leaf spring from AC when Autokraft took over all of the spares and the stuff that the spring is wrapped in gets all over everything! I have never seen such insidious, creeping black gunk in my life!

That is one thing we did NOT replicate with the Superformance MK II cars!

The best one I've seen is the guys at RareDrive had a Cobra in for restoration with an Ace bandage wrapped around the spring! Photos are on their website!
Larry

[rsk289]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

With that leaf spring wrapped in the nastiest stuff known to man! I had the last N.O.S. leaf spring from AC when Autokraft took over all of the spares and the stuff that the spring is wrapped in gets all over everything! I have never seen such insidious, creeping black gunk in my life!

That is one thing we did NOT replicate with the Superformance MK II cars!

Well, it keeps water out and lubricant in. Leafsprings can wear quite quickly with grit and water between the leaves.
I wrapped mine with the original materials. First the spring is coated with a thick covering of OGL (Outside Gear Lubricant) grease, same stuff they use on truck fifth wheels. Then it is tightly wrapped with Denso tape, a cloth-based sticky tape, still available exactly as AC used it. Several other more upmarket manufacturers used it, too - Bentley, Rolls Royce etc. It is wrapped so that it can be held in place by just one metal strap fastener. Yes, it's not nice, but...

Roger