Project: Custom 71 4x4 hotrod

[silver7]

When I bought new 6" Superlift springs from Summit they said they were powdercoated. When they arrived the paint was flaking off everywhere. I was very disappointed because I knew I would have to take them apart and paint them. Nick told me how some companies say powdercoat but it is a cheap uncatalyzed version that is no better than using a rattle can. I had never taken leaf springs apart before so I read about a lot of different techniques before I gave it a shot. The hardest part was bending the multiple brackets wrapped around the front leaf springs. Some had recommended using a torch but I did not have one so a hammer, chisel, pry bar and some brute force did the trick. After that, removing the bolts in a big vise then slowly releasing the vise pressure did the trick. To ensure I get them back together the same way I stamped each leaf 'F1', 'F2', 'R1', or 'R2' in the same location as the were pulled apart. My other concern is closing the brackets after they are painted without scratching them. I'm thinking I can push them back together in a vice or hydraulic press but I'll have to use a softer material against the brackets when I do.