Comparing Three Bolts for Rear Spring

[BLB27]

The attached photos show three bolts for the rear spring on my 1927 coupe; that is, the original- thick head replacement-thin head replacement. I purchased both replacements just to see what they were like.

The head, on both replacements, is too wide to fit into the square hole in the cross member. The head on the thick head replacement is 1/2" tall and would extend "thru" the hole and engage the pad that is attached to the bottom of the body floor. I don't want the head to penetrate the pad any further than the original.

I will have to reuse the original or grind the thin head to fit (or enlarge the hole). I thought I would share this info and ask for comments.

[Allan]

Bruce, I believe there is supposed to be a leather/rubber pad between the top leaf and the underside of the crossmember. I make my own with 1/4" insertion rubber. Hence the need for the high head on the original bolts. With the pad in place the bolt head should not foul on your body packing.

Allan from down under.

[Steve Jelf]

The middle bolt looks like the one they were selling at Lang's several years ago. The one on the left isn't necessarily NOS. The top might have been built up. That's how I did mine, though I didn't make it quite that tall. I have no clue about the one on the right.

[jiminbartow]

Spring Bolt: I see no reason why you can’t re-use the original bolt. Your original bolt and threads, like all of the original parts on your T look great and like new. It was made and tempered by Ford, specifically for the Model T and I doubt if any bolts made today can compare to your original.

Spring Pads: There were no Model T’s that did not come with spring pads which prevent metal to metal contact and were there to prevent metal fatigue, cracks, vibration, noise and unnecessary wear. From 1909 to 1920, both spring pads were made of leather. From 1921 to 1927 the spring pads were made of rubber and can be ordered from the Model T parts vendors. Jim Patrick

[Original Smith]

I don't believe the pads were ever rubber. The early cars used leather, and Ford actually used top material in later years. Use a leather pad and you will be happy.

[jiminbartow]

Because Model T show cars must be correct to become show cars, Snyder’s and Lang’s are pretty good about researching and offering the correct parts for our Model T’s, they list the leather spring pads for 1909 to 1920 and rubber spring pads for 1921 to 1927. I own a 1926 Model T coupe that was original when I bought it in 1970 an it had the original spring pads which were of very hard and cracked rubber when I removed them during restoration in 1971. I replaced them with fresh rubber spring pads in 1971 during the restoration. Jim Patrick

[TRDxB2]

I would use the the high head bolt and square the hole.
I made my own square hole: drilled slightly undersized hole and filed (flat, small square and triangular files). Piece is for my front axle drop. But if your looking for judging points, then check the book

[John.Zibell]

The folks at T springs provide good products and they include the correct high head center bolts for springs for use with spring pads. This page is an example of their products. http://t-springs.com/2b.html

[TRDxB2]

Bob's Antique Auto Part's in Rockford mad reproductions. Now that he sold a part of his business to Birdhaven , don't know how will be making them in the future

[pron022020]

I was never impressed with the rear spring bolts so I reused my original which was in good shape on my low mileage 27 Coupe. Nobody makes a perfect reproduction of the original bolt.

[Original Smith]

I don't know why Bob's always put in more threads than needed on his bolts! He should have copied the originals exactly!

[FATMAN]

Alot of folks asked for it so they could add more leaves to the spring, Bob

[Mark Gregush]

Not all T's came with same number of rear leafs.