leaf spring clamps

[Jack4159]

I'm pulling the leaf springs on my KR apart to refinish them(they are currently black).
I've never done this before, is it OK to re use the clamps or best to replace them?
Thanks in advance as always.

[JD]

good reproductions are easily available, one of the '68 guys on this forum makes them and supplies many of the vendors.

(there are two styles of of holes used on these, rounded or square, if you are sure the one on your car are the originals look for the same style replacements ;-)

[shelbymann1970]

Well I'm assuming you had to bend them to remove? Then will bend again to install? Seems like a lot of bending. Are they pitted? I bought a set of clamps from Jim Cowles(RIP) a few years back I haven't used yet and was told they are spot on. You may want to check with his company if they still sell them if you go that route. Good luck.

[KR500]

I have been making the the square hole version of the leaf spring band clamps for 30 years now. I have sold over 10,000 sets and counting. Jim Cowels was making a round hole version (I think Jesse still is ). Any square hole sets Jim had came from Me. Ford leaf springs of the mid 60's to early 70's had at least 4 different versions of the band clamp hole. The 4 versions I have seen used, Round, Square, Square with a notch and D shaped. Most common for 65-67 Shelby's are the round hole clamps. Most common for 68-70 Shelby's are the square hole version. I have seen all 4 versions used on all years of Mustangs from 65-70. Yes I have a vested interest, but IMHO it's not worth trying to save the old ones, that's why I made them to start with. Also all of the components of mine are 100% made in the USA.

Rodney

[shelbymann1970]

I have been making the the square hole version of the leaf spring band clamps for 29 years now. I have sold over 10,000 sets and counting. Jim Cowels was making a round hole version (I think Jesse still is ). Any square hole sets Jim had came from Me. Ford leaf springs of the mid 60's to early 70's had at least 4 different versions of the band clamp hole. The 4 versions I have seen used, Round, Square, Square with a notch and D shaped. Most common for 65-67 Shelby's are the round hole clamps. Most common for 68-70 Shelby's are the square hole version. I have seen all 4 versions used on all years of Mustangs from 65-70. Yes I have a vested interest, but IMHO it's not worth trying to save the old ones, that's why I made them to start with. Also all of the components of mine are 100% made in the USA.

Rodney

Are these yours?  https://www.deadnutson.com/leaf-spring-clamp-set/

[shelbymann1970]

Clamping: https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=17562.0

[Bob Gaines]

I agree that it is not worth trying to save ones that you have unbent to get off. Typically one or more of the tabs will break off anyway with metal fatigue from all of the bending. To name some more suppliers -NPD  sells the square hole style and Virginia Classic Mustang sells the round style.

[KR500]

I have been making the the square hole version of the leaf spring band clamps for 29 years now. I have sold over 10,000 sets and counting. Jim Cowels was making a round hole version (I think Jesse still is ). Any square hole sets Jim had came from Me. Ford leaf springs of the mid 60's to early 70's had at least 4 different versions of the band clamp hole. The 4 versions I have seen used, Round, Square, Square with a notch and D shaped. Most common for 65-67 Shelby's are the round hole clamps. Most common for 68-70 Shelby's are the square hole version. I have seen all 4 versions used on all years of Mustangs from 65-70. Yes I have a vested interest, but IMHO it's not worth trying to save the old ones, that's why I made them to start with. Also all of the components of mine are 100% made in the USA.

Rodney

Are these yours?  https://www.deadnutson.com/leaf-spring-clamp-set/

Can't say 100% for sure but I believe they are as I do not sell directly to Jack. I believe Jack deals with one of the main vendors I sell to and probably sources them from that company.

Rodney

Rodney

[Jack4159]

ThaNks gents, that's a resounding yes to chuck them out.
Thanks for the advice, always appreciated.

[Coralsnake]

They are different sizes so hopefully you have photos of where each size went   

[CharlesTurner]

+1 to not re-using original clamps.  Once they are bent twice, the tab is weakened and can break in 2.  The reproductions made are very good.

[JohnB]

Some clamps has a marking. At least my 70 Mustang had it.

[shelbymann1970]

They are different sizes so hopefully you have photos of where each size went   

I think in my concours Mustang link in a prior post it calls that out.  https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=17562.0

[Jack4159]

They are different sizes so hopefully you have photos of where each size went   

Thanks Pete I havn't stripped them yet(next weekend) so excellent timing on that heads up.