39 Tube Shock Conversion

[burly]

At some point during it's life someone has removed the original front shocks and bolted a upper tube shock mount to the frame in it's place. My question on the early tube shock adapters what did the bottom eye of the shock bolt to? Would it have been that bent are the dog bone bolt went through? Thanks guys!

[adileo]

On my 39 the bottom of shock is connected to top of perch bolt.

[Flathead Fever]

Here are Houdaille and Monroe tube shock conversion catalogs. Lots of good info in these.

[19Fordy]

Here's how those shocks and mounts fit on a 40 with a "stabilizer bar".
Sorry about the "tilt" of photos.
Stabilizer bar perch bolt is different from no-stabilizer bar perch bolt.

[blucar]

As a general rule the bottom mounting pin for a tube shock conversion on the early cars is a special tapered bolt that mounts into the original shock hole on the wish bone to axle mounting connection.
I have attached a couple of pix showing a conversion for a '36.. It would basically be the same for a '39 due to the need for a short shock so that it does not interfere with the fender.

[burly]

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Thanks fellas! A big help! Now I need to figure out what shock will work? Wishing you guys a Merry Christmas!

[19Fordy]

Burly: These are the Monroe shocks that were used when original 40 shocks were converted to tubular years ago in 1963. The rear shocks are the same as for the 1951 Mercury. First number is closed height. Second number is extended. Measurements are center to center of eyelets. Here's a handy calculator to determine the compressed length and extended length of the Monroe shock you need. You have to play with it so be patient. Call them to be sure you selected the best fit for your car.
I found shock # 34905 to be close. (12.65 in to 19.75 in.) When using the calculator (below) I selected "chassis" for Vehicle Suspension and then individually plugged in "Class 1 through Class 8" for Vehicle Class to see the various LOOP shocks available for each class.
http://www.monroeheavyduty.com/catal...nsional-search

[burly]

Thanks again Fordy! That should make the selection process that much easier and like old Rasmussen says "I need all the help I can get"

[KGS]

In post #3 by Flathead Fever, he posted instructions for installation of the tube shock conversion as well as parts and part numbers.


Picture 4 shows a tapered sleeve (10904) for mounting a bolt to the original tapered shock link mount.


Picture 6 shows a tapered bolt (A-14455) that mounts the shock to the original tapered shock link mount. Apparently, either one can be used.


Are either of these two parts available anywhere? I have the conversion mounts to change to tube shocks but I don't have the tapered sleeve or the tapered bolt.

It was mentioned in a previous thread that some one was making the tapered bolt but apparently he doesn't answer the phone.
Ken

[britman]

Are these kits, or their components, available today? I have a 39 deluxe I would like to convert.

[19Fordy]

If you have access to a metal lathe those tapered bolts and sleeves could be made by machining a larger dia bolt down to required size. You could machine the taper with the correct taper so as to eliminate the need for a sleeve. This could also be made from mild steel.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/c...BoCXK0QAvD_BwE
Perhaps this company has the tapered sleeve.
https://smithprecisionproducts.com/p...long-for-shock
Call these folks. I see that their add says they make top shock bolts. I see their add for the rear tube shock conversion on here and HAMB.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-For...lWqQMY&vxp=mtr

[britman]

thanks

[marko39]

bob drake sells these kits front or rear.

[G.M.]

You need to make sure the tube shocks have enough length
to have a full stroke plus a couple inches so they don't bottom
out at the top of the stroke. They also want to be mounted so
the shocks are as close to verticle as possible. If mounted on
to much of an angle on the rear they will push the body from
right to left. I had one I bought with the shocks on it and they
pushed it far enough it cut groves in the tires. G.M.

[blucar]

Originally Posted by G.M.

You need to make sure the tube shocks have enough length
to have a full stroke plus a couple inches so they don't bottom
out at the top of the stroke. They also want to be mounted so
the shocks are as close to verticle as possible. If mounted on
to much of an angle on the rear they will push the body from
right to left. I had one I bought with the shocks on it and they
pushed it far enough it cut groves in the tires. G.M.

My '36 coupe has had tube shocks, front and rear, on it since 1955. The rear shocks are mounted on a stock 47-48 Columbia using the stock mounts on an angle. I installed the stock '47-48 panhard track bar which eliminates body sway.

[19Fordy]

blucar: I always wondered if there was a way to install those rear shocks using the kit you have so that were more "vertical". I have the same kit in my 40.

[oldford2]

Originally Posted by burly

At some point during it's life someone has removed the original front shocks and bolted a upper tube shock mount to the frame in it's place. My question on the early tube shock adapters what did the bottom eye of the shock bolt to? Would it have been that bent are the dog bone bolt went through? Thanks guys!

Here is a drawing of the bottom bolt. I had a friend with a metal lathe make mine up.
DSCN0815.jpg

[blucar]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

blucar: I always wondered if there was a way to install those rear shocks using the kit you have so that were more "vertical". I have the same kit in my 40.

19Fordy, I reviewed your photo, noted what appears to be longer shackles and a '40 type spring. If you review my pix you will note that I have a covered '48 spring and '48 shackles. My shock mounts are stock '48, bolted to the back of the backing plates using stock Ford bolts. the shock pins on the cross member are also stock Ford, however, as I recall they are from a Ford pickup.
You can also note in the pix that I retained the stock Houdaille shocks. I did that because I use to street race the '36 on a regular basis when I was younger. I wanted the car to be as stable as possible at speed.
My front axle is a '41 that is dropped 2", shocks are tube, steering gears are '40..

[GaryU.]

Just sold these to a Barn member earlier this week. He found an old thread and contacted me seeing if I still had them. Hopefully they will go on his 36.