I read on the wiki that a stock spring rate for the 1200 was 109 lb/in in the rear - the ute would be a bit more but not much I expect.

Oda, I'm in bris, we can order them together when we hear back from Mark about costs.

It would be a question of whether a bulk shipment is more expensive than ordering in pairs to avoid the 20% import tax (plus domestic freight to door).

Using 3 inch system with S type muffler, hot dog and cat (CA). Cat is a bit restrictive, reduces top end power. 2.5 inch tip. Without tip the engine is a bit noisy.

Maybe shipping in smaller sets may work better to avoid domestic freight from Melbourne. Ie there might be a few people in sydney, melbourne, brisbane etc.

I have no idea what the original leaf spring rate for the 1200 coupe or sedan is. Perhaps nissan might know. Mark did say the typical orders he gets for our beloved car is 175 - 220 lbs spring rate. I would want closer to original whatever that is!

The latest from Mark at Flex-form:

Hi Justin,

We have always shipped air parcel service because there hasn’t been a cost advantage for ship-based for a single package. 5 sets may be a different matter, I’d just have to check it out to see. We pack them so that the parcel length is about the same as the spring length. Use about 19 pounds per pair for a weight estimate.
Spring rates for monoleafs in general and especially for composite monoleafs is different in that eliminating the friction between the leafs and changing the material makes them feel like lower rate steel multi-leafs. Most springs we’ve made for vehicles like yours have been in the range of 175 to slightly over 200 lbs/in.

Mark

The guy from flex form already has all the technical specifications.

The reason I needed the length of all the leaves was that I was investigating a mob in China who make the conventional leaf springs probably quite cheaply and for less freight, but as to quality...might be best off ordering from NZ as they are cheaper than Aus, there's just the freight charge.

email response from Chinese company below:

Dear Mr Justin:
Thanks for your interest in our leaf spring.
We have checked the leaf spring, we could produce it .
You offer us total 3 leaves,the thickness of 1 leaf is 6mm, the thickness of 2 leaves is 7mm, what about the width?
And could you please offer us the length?
It is better you have the drawing or detailed technical data. Then we could calculate the weiht ,and give you best price.
Also this kind of leaf spring we have produced a lot which we export to Australia.
We are waiting for your reply.
Best regards
Brittany
Internaitonal Department
Qingdao Shuaichao Group
Web: www.shuaichao.com
Tel:008684915381
Mobile: 008615964253405

Yes, that was a recent response. I just asked him if there are cheaper options for shipping.

I'll ask about a bulk buy, but it sounds like it won't be feasible if the group won't commit.

A large order for composite leaf springs would be the way to go.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not keen on King springs as they have been described as too hard by many club members, and I'm after a more comfortable ride with some off road ability.

I contacted flex form and this was their response:


Hello Justin,

We can make our composite monoleafs for your Datsun.
Shipping to Australia is not cheap. We have recently been using Federal Express and it has been running in the range of $160 to $185. Base price for the springs is $425 for a pair.
Contact us again if you have other questions.
Thanks for the inquiry.

Mark


If anyone knows of a composite leaf spring maker in Aus, maybe that's the way to go?

I've contacted flex form, I'll see what happens, but freight might still be an issue coming from the US

Out of interest, does anyone know the length of each leaf spring on the coupe pack? and what is the spring rate?

Bellamy and East in NZ do springs for 1200 for $165 + GST per pair which is very reasonable. Just have to organise freight from NZ to Aus.

I went to order some of these from the website in the US and it cost $942 to Australia. How ridiculous. I'm sure it would cost a fraction of that in a container.
It's just that no one makes standard leaf springs in Australia and to make some up costs over $500.
Anyone have any other options? I thought of mixing and matching some at the wreckers.