Leaf spring Resto/Preservation

[HawkX66]

I pulled my leaf springs out of the barn to media blast & paint black, but then realized they were in too good shape to do that. Not a lot of rust and you can still see what looks like the date code stenciled on them (how does that decode?). What do you guys think I should do to preserve them before installing them? I was thinking about hitting them with Evaporust, but then what? If anyone is interested in my resto, I have a lot of pics posted over on Camaros.net.





Here is how the rear end came out that I'm mounting to the springs:

[ZLP955]

I know some guys who have used RPM or Boeshield on their leaf springs, looks great once dry (IMO) but not used it yet myself.

[HawkX66]

Thanks Tim. I have a can of that too. I'll give it a shot. I haven't used Evaporust before. Would I be alright to use that on the springs? It looks like there are thin pieces of flat plastic in between each leaf. I don't want something to eat away at those.

[BillOhio]

Evaporust isn't an acid and I wouldn't think it would hurt plastic. It MIGHT make stencil more visible also. It does leave a dark coating too. Almost like phosphate. Maybe I left in too long!
I used rpm on my springs 2 years ago but they have not seen any weather. I have used on some parts on my gtx and they seem to be ok. I have gotten caught in a couple showers too.

[cook_dw]

FYI when using evaporust make sure you check it every few hours because over time it will left the markings when you wipe it clean if it is left in there too long.  Its safe just make sure to stay on top of it.   

[HawkX66]

Thanks guys. I'll pick up a gallon today and give it a shot. Before I go too crazy though... Those do look like original markings right? I searched, but I didn't come up with anything. If they aren't original I won't worry about them so much.

[cook_dw]

Just for clarity post a pic of the whole spring.  But from what you have posted it looks correct.

[HawkX66]

I'll grab a couple more pics tonight when I get home. Thanks Darrell.

[BillOhio]

This is one of the best finds I had. Axle had light surface rust . After evaporust  this mark appeared and you can see the bolts are dark.

[ZLP955]

Also when using evaporust on long items, you can get a 'tide' mark where the overlap line of the part into the liquid occurs. I remember Chick used a length of plastic pipe with end caps to soak his driveshaft in.

[HawkX66]

Thanks for the posts guys. I don't know why I didn't do this before. I guess it's because I thought for sure the springs were original. I gave my Pops a call and asked him about the springs. He remembers replacing them when he replaced the front springs which still look like new. I guess that's why the rears look so good... Take a look at the new pics and let me know what you think. It would have been back in 84 or so, so it's possible my Dad isn't remembering right. Is it real or is it Memorex? Here's the pictures I promised as well as a link to my build thread over on camaros.net:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=307257

[ko-lek-tor]

Replacements IMO Ends of each spring should taper.

[HawkX66]

Replacements IMO Ends of each spring should taper.

Thank you. That's kind of what I figured after talking to my Dad. At least I know they give it a nice ride height.

[Dusk Blue Z]

The original springs have a indented pocket the plastic isolators ride in.

Mike

[cook_dw]

Glad you posted as has already mentioned they are replacements..  The yellow stampings have been seen on other models that is what made me thing it was possible that they were originals..  But like ko-lek-tor & Dusk Blue Z posted the spring ends need to look like the ones he posted..