Does anyone know why my leaf spring clamps would have a round hole? All the replacements from several vendors indicate that the square hole is “correct”. I know these are original springs and clamps but just can’t figure out why these are different… The springs are OEM as are the clamps.
My 70 with original springs and clamps also has round holes. I had to replace one and could only find repro clamps with the square holes.
My guess is the same reason why commercial passenger aircraft have rounded windows. Corners present potential weak spots. With leaf spring clamps square holes are fine as they won’t make much difference. The de Havilland Comet as an example for its’ squared windows. These windows had been the prime cause to many disasters of this aircraft which may have played an influential role for the engineers at Ford. Who knows?
Just different vendors and sometimes just different production periods. Ford often used multiple vendors for parts Henry hated the idea that his company could be held hostage to one supplier that he could not control. You’ll notice that your springs are stamped differently than other examples
Most plants had a main supplier with a “back up” that often was a main supplier for a different plant.
Found this covered by Mustang folks.
https://www.vintage-mustang.com/search/3557905/?q=Leaf+spring+clamps%3B+round+vs+square&o=relevancev
thanks, now I know I’m not smokin crack wondering about little details like round v/s square holes! hahaha
Unfortunately Jim Cowles of Shelby Parts and Restoration in Green Bay, Wisconsin passed away last year. His business is still going and might have some in stock if you call and ask.