I'm ready to start re-assembling my 4-leaf springs after cleaning and painting them.I bought new spring clamps(the originals were broken)and have a concern about putting them on the springs.The originals were riveted to the springs-no problem,a grinder made quick work of that,but the replacements came with big,goofy-looking rivets and I don't see how I'll ever get the rivets "crushed down" after putiing them through the spring and clamp.The diameter that needs to be flattened is about 3/8".I could try wailing on them with a hammer but I don't see this as the answer.If I heat them up first,I'll burn off the new paint on the springs.I don't think my press will crush them because of their size and the axial direction of the push.
Also,the springs have a countersunk area where the original rivets sat and the new rivets are not a c-sink style.
I'm considering going with c-sink screws instead of the rivets-I know this isn't correct but I'm not looking for a points-resto deal here,just a clean installation.
If anyone here has dealt with this problem before,I'd be grateful for any advice you could give me!
Thanks,guys,

Peter

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HDZ/28

The rivets are very soft, and smash out pretty easily with a big enough hammer and a good surface underneath, - like an anvil.
I don't know how you could keep screws in there, without coming loose.

I have't "done" leaf spring rivets, but have done a fiew on farm equipment.

You might try calling a spring vendor for better rivets, but they will require hammering.
David

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67 RS 327 original owner. 69 Camaro Vintage Racer, 65 Lola T-70 Chev SB Can-Am Vintage Racer

Peter, I just replaced mine and David is right. I put the rivet in the spring and set it on an anvil then placed a ball peen hammer with the peen on the rivet, then hit the hammer with a BFH and the rivet mashed out nicely.

Good Luck,
Joe

[This message has been edited by Turbo_Jet (edited 05-02-2002).]

Peter,

If the rivets are steel with the stovebolt type head, you have to heat them (orange) before pounding them down or they will never get tight enough.

Stick the head through the clamp and leaf. Heat the rivet till it's glowing orange and then smash it down with a good size hammer with the rivet head against an anvil as David suggested. To further tighten the rivet, immediately after smashing it down put the ballpeen side of a hammer against the smashed part of the rivet and use another hammer to somewhat countersink the rivet and furthur tighten it. Wear safety goggles...

Then just grind off the excess, but don't take too much off or you'll be starting all over. http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

When you have the spring assembled and are ready to tighten the clamps, use a c-clamp to 'squish' any space between the leaves near the clamp or the clamp won't be tight enough (and look sloppy) after the sping is installed.

Good luck

Mark

Thanks,guys-collectively-"YOU DA MAN!!!"
David,I'll try the heat thing,I guess the worse that happens is I have to paint the leaf again.
Peter

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HDZ/28