What's holding this spring clamp?

[Steve Jelf]

I noticed this broken right rear spring clamp on my 1923 touring and set about trying to replace it. Most of these clamps have a little tooth punched in them which fits into a hole in the top spring leaf. I don't recall seeing one like this, but maybe somebody else has dealt with this type and can shed some light. I've tried driving a big screwdriver under it with a BFH, but so far it hasn't budged.

The left one has just a round hole, and it appears something round is broken off in the hole. Is that a rivet with the head broken off, or what? If I know what I'm dealing with here, maybe that will suggest how to remove it.

[Ruxstel24]

Sure looks like a rivet to me, Steve.
I deal with them on modern ball joints by using a HD air hammer (not HF or Crapsman) and a sharp chisel bit. Just pop the head off sideways and punch the rest out. Without a good air hammer, you can grind the head off.
Looks like you may have to separate those springs to get the rest out.

When I lifted my car by the frame, some separation occurred, may be enough...

[mike zahorik]

My spring clamps have the tab that fits into a small hole on the spring leaf. If you pop what looks like a rivet out, will there be a hole to use the new type of spring clamp? Mike

[Wayne Sheldon]

While most T springs used loose clamps, many with some sort of dimple to hold it in place, I have had a few with the clamps riveted onto that leaf. I have always been curious whether that was a "year" thing? Or maybe a supplier difference?
You should be able to grind or chisel the piece off, could corner weld a piece to replace what is missing, or simply drive and enjoy until you decide to rebuild the whole rear end.

[Allan]

I like Wayne's corner weld a replacement piece. You can always replace that whenever the rear spring is removed for whatever reason.
Simple, easy, satisfactory.

Allan from down under.

[Les Schubert]

If it was mine, I wouldn’t bother at this time as the other side is obviously securely clamped and it fits closely in the cross member. Arc welding against a leaf spring is just looking for a future crack in it as tempered spring steel is NOT meant to be welded to!!

[D Stroud]

Les, I don't think Wayne meant welding to the spring. That clamp can be repaired very easily in place by welding another piece to it with a corner weld as Wayne said. The spring wouldn't be affected at all. That's what I would do in a heartbeat. Dave

[AndreFordT]

Here is a front spring with the same construction.
I rebuild the front axle and as the spring was solid I just installed the leaf as it was.

Andre
Belgium