Springing for W-irons

[nberrington]

Greetings all

I have noticed some of the wire springs on my Bedford w-irons are corroding slightly - making for sticky springs.
Does anyone have an advice as to how to avoid this?
My Alex Jackson couplings are made with guitar string and have lasted for years - is it perhaps Bill's wire?

I've considered:
- using phosphor bronze (concerned it will deform differently.)
- oiling the wire lightly (don't wish to attract a ton of gunk though)

Regards

Neil

[Russ Elliott]

It's a fair bet that the average vehicle spring will have a certain amount of human sweat/oil on it by the time construction is complete, and any subsequent washing with water may induce further tarnishing and rust growth. The acidity of human skin varies significantly between individuals. Cleaning, blackening plus a light oiling is likely to provide the most longlasting anti-rust treatment where it is found to be necessary.

Diameter for diameter, a PB spring will give in the region of 60% more deflection than a steel one, but its ability to return to the undeflected shape is not so good in my opinion.

[davknigh]

Hi Nick,

I've had the same trouble and find that apart from a good clean after soldering and blackening that a shot of WD40 seems to help. W-irons so treated function much better than those untreated so it has become standard practice for me now.

HTH

David