ht connector spring bits

[geofflena]

Any source for the brass HT spring bosses ?
Anyone made up the springs ? If they are brass - they seem to be 'springier' than normal brass wire ? Is that just temper - or is there a type of brass thats 'spring' quality ?
Although I have screws that will fit with a slight head filing - do we know the screw size ( long and vey thin ! ) and are they bronze ( they seem to be to me )
Just clearing out shed and bits and wondering ......

[lodgey62]

Try a spring from a pen

[Oyster 49]

It might worth trying several of the classic electrical parts suppliers, such as Green Spark Plug co, or George at Villiers parts. Quite a few specialists about.

First though have you tried SOS? John should always be the first point of call.

[geofflena]

Yes - as a unit inc the black plactic part - probably a basic used spare.
If ht leads complete are available for seagull as a new part ? - where are the magneto end units coming from ?

The springs are not just just cylindrical. They are tighter one end ( screw head ) and have a tight double turn to start ( brass lug end - to clip into the groove ) They need to be turned up - for which you need spring wire.
Which is why I ask what they are made from. Most small springs are steel - plated in some way I suppose. One can re-wind an existing spring to alter it - but it helps to have new spring wire - ie the stuff they make springs from !

I made some outboard bracket springs many moons ago and was given some wire by a sring manufacturer in Bristol - and he showed me how to bend it. Maybe I need to look him up again if he's still in business - and arrive clasping the little ht sping....?

The brass bit is the biggest problem ( if you don't have one ! )

edit
Just checked Flexo Springs - Bristol website.
Standard spring - part no - A9-3819-2M
4.6mm outside - 0.38 wire size - 10.9 turns - length 22mm. £0.70 pence each - less for 15 + etc.
Online sales.

This is close to what I have measured. ie 20mm length - 0.3 wire - 11 turns - 4.5mm outer diam.
The last few turns would need tightening up ( screw head )
Sometime I will call in - its close by to me. See if they have different wire types ?

[Raya]

The inch screw in the HT lead that I dissembled was made of steel, not bronze, (I tested it with a magnet), so maybe BS changed the spec at some time. I Noticed a couple of other changes between the 1950 and 70ish leads. The groove in the back of the Magneto HT connector went from one groove to two and the brass contact changed in length.

New style has two grooves in the back.

Metal HT screw and different lenght contact points.

[Journeyman]

Had one of my leads apart this morning the wood screw is #1 x 3/4" brass flat head.
#1 gauge is 5/64" diamante (2mm) (Sorry that should have read Diameter) had a look through my screws and I do have some but not as long as original. This time original screw was fine so I put it back in and straitened out the spring.
Will be renewing the HT wires on all my plug leads so might need springs and screws some time.
How did you get on with the springs Geoff?
Looked like I have the longer brass contact Raya.

Dave.

[geofflena]

I've not gone in there yet - its close but a real busy area for parking. The spring I mentioned can be bought on their website - its not bulk only - you can buy just a few.

https://www.flexosprings.com/stock-spri ... on-springs

I shall get over there soon - just to show him the original and pick his brains.

So long as the inner diam is the same or slightly smaller - and the gauge of wire similar ( no stock springs were 0.3mm - 0.38 was the smallest ) the stock spring would do. Easy enough to tighen the turns on the end. I slightly heavier gauge would mean a stronger spring. They allways struck me as rather weak ?

Yes - several I have taken out were steel - some brass ( or bronze ) You say thats a no 1 gauge x 3/4 - they are 5/64 shank. What does the 'diamante' bit mean - no 1 fine ? Not heard that term before re-screws ?

edit - after MUCH searching -

Brass csk slot head M2 x 20mm - Cromwell tools - Bristol. Cannot find an Imperial no 1 or 2 brass @ 3/4 anywhere.
( tech data M2 brass csk wood screw Din97 - is head - max 3.8mm - shank 1.9mm )

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/fastene ... TL6351720J ( 12.44 per 200 inc vat )

[Journeyman]

Hi Geoff sorry for the confusion that should have read Diameter and I was saying that the screw was in good condition and fine to use again.
So looks like you have found springs and screws for us thanks for that much appreciated.

Dave.