[Healeys] 100 Rear Springs

Tue Nov 23 08:51:19 MST 2021

Michael,Thanks for the copy of the well written message to BCC. Were you able to tell where they sourced these springs? I.E. the company &/or the country of origin?Gary Hodson

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Salter via Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net>
To: healeys at autox.team.net <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Mon, Nov 22, 2021 4:37 pm
Subject: Re: [Healeys] 100 Rear Springs

Well, based opon the advice given and a carefully reading ofthe   information on their web page https://britishclassiccarparts.com/  which includes this statement:  BCC will only supply springs that comply, as best possible, with OEM specifications or betterI ordered a pair of BN1 rear springs. 
Initially I thought my order had not gone through because despite their statement that "Your order confirmation from BCC will include basic dimensional information on the spring you have ordered allowing you to check against the springs you are replacing" I received no confirmation from BCC that the order had been received and the only way to confirm that it had indeed been received aws to check my account withdrawals.These springs are not inexpensive and ended up costing almost 3 times what they would have cost from one of the usual suspects.When I finally received the shipment and had an opportunity to examine what had been supplied I was far from impressed.This is my email sent to BCC regarding their "OEM specifications or better" product. 

Dear Sirs, We recently received from yourselves a pair of rear leafsprings purchased for an Austin Healey 100 BN1 which we are restoring to concourslevel for a long-time customer.The preamble on your web site states “BCC will onlysupply springs that comply, as best possible, with OEM specifications or better.”You also state “Your order confirmation from BCC willinclude basic dimensional information on the spring you have ordered allowingyou to check against the springs you are replacing.” We received neitheran order confirmation nor the dimensional information mentioned.The springs that we have received do not come even close tothe OEM specifications for the springs for a BN1.There were 3 types of leaf springs supplied for the BN1. Thefinal design, fitted after body number C.154647 was arrived at after muchexperimentation as many owners experienced difficulties with the rearsuspension of these vehicles.The last type, part number 1B829, had the followingspecifications:Free length  34.75” Laden length 36”Free camber 3.75”Laden camber 0.25”Deflection 4” @ 490 lbsNumber of leaves 8Number of zinc interleaves 36 rebound clips were used on each spring, 2 open to the topand one, the outer, open to the bottom.The rebound clips were closed using ¼” UNF countersunk slotscrews with tubular spacers. A special extra-long “toe bolt” head was required topenetrate the fiber pads and tapered spacers.The springs that you have supplied are absolutely unsuitablefor use on this vehicle and are nothing like OEM specifications.In addition to the above the following are some of the otherproblems that we have noticed with your product.1.     Free camber 4.75”2.     No zinc interleaves at all.3.     Metric thread hex head rebound clip screws (threateningthe tyre sidewalls)4.     Short “toe bolt” heads (very dangerous as theaxle will be located by friction alone if these springs were to be installed)5.     Middle rebound clip installed upside down6.     Nothing locating the end rebound clips We have not bothered to install these springs because this wouldobviously be a total waste of our time. The cost of these springs £576.27 plus local taxes of $CDN107.20(£63.01) for a total of £639.28.We could have purchased Indian made reproduction springs,which we have used previously and are considerably more accurate aesthetically,from a local supplier for about 30% of the cost from yourselves but based uponthe claims on your advertising opted to purchase what were reputed to be thebest available.We do not believe that it is unreasonable of us to expect afull refund as your product does not even come close to being what you advertise.We will be happy to return this defective product to you atyour expense.Please advise. Michael Salter
The answer received from the General Manager of BCC served no useful purpose and indicated that he should definitely seek a career in politics when BCC goes under.

NOT RECOMMENDED

On Mon., Oct. 25, 2021, 8:09 p.m. John Sims, <ahbn6 at verizon.net> wrote:

Try britishclassiccarparts.com

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS

On Monday, October 25, 2021, 8:05 PM, Alan Seigrist via Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net> wrote:
Hi Michael -
My experience is to have spring makers in the UK make them up.  There are several there, and generally they know what they are doing.

Best,
Alan
On Fri, 22 Oct 2021 at 2:26 AM, Michael Salter <michaelsalter at gmail.com> wrote:

As is so common with "offshore " products I'm having ongoing problems with the currently available rear springs, in particular those for the 100.It seems that all the usual suspects source these from the same manufacturer in India and it is my suspicion that these are made from substandard steel. Typically leaf springs are made from 5160 steel which is incredibly resistant to deformation and fatigue. I don't have facilities to determine what steel is used to make these springs but it certainly isn't 5160!!Has anyone found a source for rear springs which last more than a few years?
M
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