Joined: Oct 19, 2010 Posts: 19 Location: Strathmore, Alberta, Canada
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 1:01 pm Post subject: Leaf spring clamp spacers
Hopefully I can describe what I am looking for clearly:
I am cleaning up my old leaf springs currently and installing new center pins and new bolts for the clamps as well. The clamps take a 5/16" bolt, but they also have a steel tube that seems to act as a spacer to prevent the clamps from squeezing horizontally against the leaves. I am having absolutely no luck finding some replacement tubing, and the old ones are too rusted out. I need approx. 3/8" or 7/16" ID steel tubing. I tried steel brake line but the largest that goes is 3/8" OD.
Anybody have any ideas on this?
I can post a picture of the part I am talking about tonight if it is unclear. _________________ Currently restoring a 1953 RCAF M38A1. You can check out my progress at:
Joined: May 10, 2010 Posts: 615 Location: North Yorkshire, UK
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 2:46 pm Post subject:
A quick search on fleabay & google brought up several vendors selling 7/16" tube. Couldn't find steel; they all seemed to be stainless steel, brass or aluminium. Also, it wasn't clear if the 7/16" was ID or OD.
The vendors appeared to be specialising in parts for radio-controlled models & scale trains. If you have a hobby store near you, it would be worth a look. For the most part, the manufacturer was K & S Engineering, if that helps any.
Btw, the tubes off my M38 spring clamps were not seamless tube; as an alternative, maybe you could try forming new tubes from flat steel?
Owen. _________________ Owen
1951 US Air Force M38
1944 F-1 1/2-ton Airdrome Trailer
1940 C15 Chevrolet CMP 11-cab
1939 DKW KS200 Motorcycle
MVT # 19406
Tubing is called out by OD. Just buy a short piece of 7/16" low carbon steel 1015 bushing stock. It will have a .065 wall leaving you with an ID of 5/16". It runs $2 or $3 a foot. The 4130 chrome-molly steel tube in that same size runs about $3 a foot also. I use Wicks Aircraft Supply but any steel supply house can fix you up.
Joined: May 14, 2012 Posts: 150 Location: Milford CT
Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2012 7:05 pm Post subject: Me too!
I'm getting that item from a local fabrication shop tomorrow! If you're willing to wait a day or two, I'll get an extra 8 of them! Just pay the postage, free item and no handling charge........ _________________ "Frugality keeps me in the Game"
1952 M38 Project "Lazarus"
1951(?) M100 Trailer
1956-60 USAF Special Weapons Program
http://www.bill-capes.com/insanity - Updated 04/26/14
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