Leaf Springs

Val
Val Member
edited June 2012 in HUDSON
My 39 Six leaf springs are wrapped in a canvass like materiel. Is this factory? If so is this materiel still available?

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    I'm fairly sure it was "factory" but it's hard to know whether yours are the very ones that left the factory wrapped around your springs. Generally, most Hudsons have lost their original gaiters by now and seem to work just fine without them. No reason you couldn't carefully remove yours, make up a duplicate in canvas, and re-install them. Maybe you could even sell some to other '39 owners!

    Here's a little video piece on gaiters by Jay Leno: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/segment/skinned-knuckles/skinned-knuckles-leaf-spring-gaiters/
  • StillOutThere
    StillOutThere Expert Adviser
    edited June 2012
    My '34 Terraplane has its original, laced-up black leather gaiters. For the most part they are in very good condition. It is true we don't necessarily need them today because we drive on exponentially improved roads nearly 100% of the time whereas pre WWII there were far fewer paved roads or even paved driveways.

    However if we are talking about authenticity and originality and proper restoration for points judging systems where HET cars need to appear from time to time to show some pride in what Hudson built, then gaiters need to be there.

    I don't know what years and what models did or did not have them. I guarantee that standard '34 Terraplane Model K had them. The overall left front and left rear fully gaitored springs are shown in my attachments.

    I do not know why my photo attachments aren't showing up. I've tried three times. Never had a problem in the past.
    imageimage
  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    FYI
    I (think) the cloth cover was also to keep dirt out from in-between the leafs after lubricant was inserted at service intervals to prevent 'squeaking' springs.
    I dissembled my individual spring leafs then drilled the ends to insert 'nylon sliders'. I lubed the sliders but in-lieu of a cover, wrapped the spring assembly full length with black duct tape. The springs are silent and rides smooth...
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Yes - lube retention is what I always thought was the idea. The later cars used sheet metal to encase the springs. And periodic lube was recomended thru a hole in the covering,
    Roger
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Has anyone reproduced sets of the metal covers, such as used on my '47? Is the specific original material documented?
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