1928 Essex Rear Leaf Spring Mystery

ensignman

Hi,

Can someone help solve a mystery concerning the rear leaf springs on my car?

My car is a 1928 Essex Super Six 4 door (Saloon) Sedan chassis #715732, first reg on 1-1-1928 (this may not be correct) according to the log book.

The 1928 parts book lists the rear springs as part #62168 with 8 leaves.

The springs fitted are part #63776 (date stamped 4-29) which are for a 1929 Challenger, however there are 9 leaves.

I can not see any literature showing 9 leaves, I know the car is 87 years old & possibly had parts changed as they have become worn or broken, it is also right hand drive originally exported to New Zealand could this be the reason for extra leaf?

I know the British cars exported to the Antipodes differed on occasions to ones built for the home market with usually bigger wheels, stronger axles, suspension and ground clearance.

Any thoughts?

Ensignman

ESSX28-1

Most 28 Essex's found in New Zealand were made in Detroit & ran 20 inch wheels originally with 475/500x20 tyres.

Dave Young (28 Essex RS Coupe purchased in Aug 1965)

Geoff

All '28 and '29 Essex had 8 leaves, except for the '29 Town sedan which had 10. and the '29 roadster which had 7.     All N.Z. Essex were imported as factory standard.  Probably your car had sagged at some stage so somebody added an extra leaf.  Your car is an early series 1928.  

Geoff  (Essex Coach, purchased 1956)

ensignman

Thank you Geoff C & Essx28-1 for your thoughts, I have just refurbished these springs and don't intend replacing them anytime soon it was just interesting to query the 9 leaves.

It is also interesting to find out my car is an early series 1928, are there build date details available?

Was my car perhaps built in late 1927 to be registered in early 1928?

Regards

Ensignman

  

Geoff

1928 serial numbers started at 706271.  Generally production of  each year started in late November of the previous year, so yes, it is possible that your car was produced in very late 1927, although it would have taken some time for it to  reach New Zealand, so the  registration date of 1.1.1928 would I guess be an estimate by a previous owner, as that date would have been a public holiday!  You can check the block and haad for date markings, as well as the transmission housing, although any of these items could have been changed over the years.

Geoff 

ensignman

Thanks Geoff C,

Will look for markings in next day or so.

Ensignman