Important Corrections to

‘The Companion’ and ‘The Source Book’

 

 

 

Spring favour (not fever).

More than 25 years ago the Light Shaft (newsletter of the Austin Seven Club in Melbourne, Australia) published an article of mine on springs. It was complete with my illustrations of the various types of leaf shapes, thicknesses etc. I had obtained this info from an old spring maker who used to measure up every car over the years that came new onto showrooms, no matter from where. His records started with early De Dions up to the then present day & I persuaded him to allow me to copy the Austin 7 details.

In 1977 I was asked by 750 Motor Club if it was okay to re-print some of my technical articles and I agreed, provided they let me know which articles so I could amend any details if necessary. This they did not do and what was printed was only a resume of the spring details - including an original typographical error showing rear spring camber to be 8". If the rear is set to that dimension (a) the car looks ridiculous cocked up at the rear, (b) the occupants would feel they were going to be tipped on their noses, (c) the handling and over-steer of the car on corners would be most dangerous and (d) most importantly it would alter the front end castor to the point of giving unsafe steering.

Apparently the 750 Club has been requested a few times to publish some form of amendment over the years, but this has not been done. Unfortunately also, the author of the Source book did not have the courtesy to request my permission to republish the details from the Companion, so the wrong dimension has been re-printed and perpetuated.

Over the years certain spring makers have been given angst over not complying with what the A7 owner considers their "Bible" (Companion) says, others have done what the Companion says and have had to re-set the springs lower, at more cost. Now that litigation rears its ugly head so frequently these days there's concern about either the springmakers or me being sued. Thus this long story, and my request that anyone reading this give a copy to the Editor of their respective club to explain the situation. It's the best way I can think of to spread the word. I would be most grateful for the favour.

Meantime, here's a suggestion for safer spring settings :

Short w/b high frame (max 6 inches)

Long w/b high frame (max 6 1/2"),

Low frame (max 3 1/2")

Sports - not flat (would soon settle into reverse camber, upsetting handling) but 2 1/2"

(will soon flatten further).

Leaves : front springs (camber 3 inches) up to 1928 = 5 leaves, after '28 = 8 leaves which

          are the most desirable these days as some original thicknesses are no longer available.

 

Thanks in anticipation of your spreading the word.

Cheers, Bill Sheean in Oz