Cosmetic Reconditioning of Leaf Springs ?????
 

Even though my current 73' Camaro project is fully blown apart
the intent was/is to build a high quality "driver"

I'm wanting to do a cosmetic clean up on leaf springs that have
dealer undercoat and/or surface rust here and there.

I'm reluctant to have them sandblasted while still as a 5 leaf assy.

I'm using LARGE aggressive wire cup on 7" grinder and red scotch
brite cookies.

Not sure if I should try to prep sol and epoxy prime/paint or just slather
with LPS#3 (rust inhibitor) or ????

Goal is just to have clean durable good "look" that can be wiped/maintained
occassionally.

When I restore leaf springs in a natural finish normally I soak them in a rust remover after cleaning any grease and oil or undercoating from them. If they are not badly pitted I will steel wool them and use some gun bluing from your local sports shop to mock the heat treating process, then coat them with RPM or whatever rust preventer you prefer. If yours are to be blasted or sanded I might just have them powder coated but I guess that would require taking them apart either way.

Rich, I asked a local large commercial spring shop if they had the experience to
install (my) Eaton repop spring clamps around my "restored" 5 leaf springs.
Long story they took one bundle apart, showed me the medium pitting across several
leafs and half convinced me into buying new springs ($260pr)
They distribute DAYTON springs which Im now trying to shop around and compare prices.

Chuck,
I used the primary spring from a set of Eatons, and then used my originals for all the other leafs. They look original, and perform properly. I forget where I got the pads, but they look original, too.

I'm currently at the point where I'm wanting to buy DAYTON springs 21-297
as a OE replacement......
Shopping for price, shipping etc

My Original springs have moderate pitting, could be blasted, painted, re clamped
at what cost ??? vs NEW springs ($260+)

Chuck, the big issue is gonna be ride height. There was a lot of discussion on the nasty z site about replacement springs looking like you put air shocks in too! I bought a set of eatons, but I am looking into using most of my original leafs, and the new primary spring.
Buddy

Buddy, I'm not using air shocks on this 73 project (or any other Camaro)

My expert contact at DAYTON spring says that part # 21-297 is OE replacement.
I do not know how car will sit (with 15" Z28 wheels/tires)
I may or may not have to re-arch these springs if I buy them

My expert advised NOT to buy the 21-339 number (even though they physically fit the car)

Still seeking experienced advice if anybody familiar with MY application ?????