Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

I want to replace the U-bolts holding the rear spring pack on my '29 Tudor. I do not wish to lift my '29 Tudor body off of the frame. It appears that I could cut panel out of the floor pan -- or, remove the entire panel. Has anyone done this and, if so, what do you think is the best way to do it. Thanks.

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Paul, I'm sure deep down you already know the proper answer to your question.

Removing the entire panel is going to be more work than lifting the back of the body. I will write a step-by-step list if you want to do it correctly but if your mind is made up in that is not what you want to do, then I say say do it whichever way seems right at the moment.

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Are the U bolts that bad?

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Curious people want to know how the got so bad!

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

I could live with the original U-bolts. So, I don't want to go to a lot of effort to put in new ones. It seems like a lot of work to lift the body off of the frame, which would get me into the issue of replacing the body shims. Everything fits right now. Why ask for trouble, is my view.

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Good call.

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

This might not seem right to a lot of folks. I removed the rear seat then cut a square hole above the u boults and replaced them. Then I welded the piece I cut out back in to place. Worked fine for me.

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Paul,
Like they say, "if it ain't broke, fix it till it is broke."
Marty

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Unless something has changed , most if not all of the repro rear U-bolts are for the later V8 cars and are longer than the model A U-bolts . The ends of the V8 U-bolts need to be shortened and drilled for the cotter pins . I removed the rear floor panel and seat riser in my tudor and it was not that difficult . It has been a while . I can't remember if it was attached with screws and some rivets or just screws . I did use screws . This method seems better than cutting up the floor and welding it back together . My U-bolts were good but the floor & seat riser needed replacement .

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Since my U-bolts can be re-used and since my frame and wood shims are solid, I will re-use my existing U-bolts. A friend is telling me that, regardless, I should take the body off of the frame, but I want to get this car back on the road in my life time. It seems like everything I touch on the car leads me to do more. I must draw a line somewhere and this is it. Thanks, again.

Re: Rear spring U-bolt replacement
 

I agree , I wouldn't take the body off .