All, I was shown a method to paint hood springs by someone at the Chrysler Classic in Columbus, Ohio. He made a rectangular jig from angle iron and put an eye bolt through a hole in each end. The rectangle is a little longer than the spring and eyes of the eyebolts. He hooks each end of the spring in the eyebolts and tightens the nuts on the ends of the bolts to open the coils of the spring. They do not have to open too far to let a thin coat of paint in. No primer or thick coat of paint as the spring will flex enough to crack the paint off. When dry, loosen the nuts and install. I was told in some instances (not all) that the color of some springs may tell about the amount of tension the spring will provide. BTW the springs on all of my 1958 Plymouths are a red to redish brown. Also, what color are the throttle return springs and the anti-rattle spring on the manifold? While on the subject of paint colors, have any of you been noting any of the painted on or grease pencil inspection marks that are on any of parts of your cars? I have bought several low milage cars and other parts cars that have not been overly molested in the passing 40 years and have found several painted and grease pencil markings that were applied at the factory by various inspectors. Common items that have markings are: electrical connections to the generator and starter, master cylinder, battery connections, axle, spare tire rim, paint inspection rubber stamping (not all plants), engine and transmissions in different spots to name a few. The muscle car guys have Galen G. to tell them where all of this is but we are on our own. Make notes/photos/drawings/tracings of any marks and colors that you find on your cars as you work on them. We will have to build up our own data base for this part of our hobby. Larry Stanley peerless@xxxxxxxxxxx |