Spring Hanger (Shackle) Feedback wanted;

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

What is everyone using for spring hangers/shackles now if they cannot find any good originals to use. We are to the point where we need 4 complete sets of shackles for current projects in the shop, and so I am curious what others are doing for shackles. Has anyone used any new shackles from Mike's Affordable? Any feedback on those??

[foxfire42]

Brent, Are you building these for show or as close to correct as possible but still a driver?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by foxfire42

Brent, Are you building these for show or as close to correct as possible but still a driver?

Hi Barb, these are all just nice drivers that I would like them to look quasi-correct. I sure would hate to use those 4 piece universal shackles!!

[Tom Wesenberg]

If a person had to use the 4 piece, I think it would be best to weld the bolt heads to one plate to make it a bit more rigid.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

So I guess no one is working on a chassis where they need new spring shackles??

[Synchro909]

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Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

So I guess no one is working on a chassis where they need new spring shackles??

Or they're happy to use what the vendors are offering.

[Dale G.]

Brent,

Every Model A I have ever restored either for fine point or driver, I have re-used the original shackles. I weld up the worn part of each then grind down the best I can so it is relatively round that a bushing will go on. I don't think they will ever wear out in my life time especially if they are greased. Back in the day they never got greased. I can't understand, and I am not a machinist, why someone couldn't figure out a way to turn them on a lathe after they are welded up. Maybe you can shed some light on this subject. I have a box of original ones with slight to minimal wear that I have collected over the years that can be used verses crap today. I don't think the steel in repros, is as hard as yesterday.
'

[wrndln]

There have been a couple post's sometime back that showed what a couple fellows did to weld up and turn down the shackle shafts on a lathe. The fixture and cutting tool were very creative. Maybe the posts can be found use the search tool here. It seemed like a lot of work, but if good shackles are getting real hard to find like Brent stated, maybe that could be done. The black cast shackles are not so good. Maybe a vendor like A&L, Bert's or Bratton's will decide to have some good ones made. The rear shackles are the hardest to find, as the rear spring is much harder on the shackles than the front.

I found one of the shackle repair posts. See below.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...t=shackle+weld

Rusty Nelson

[Vin-tin]

Forged era replacements are out there if you look. They might not look exactly like originals, but are close. The old "bulldog" brand and others comes to mind.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Dale, you are right. We have recently restored some at my shop but the restoration time from cleaning, to welding, to machining, etc. takes about a couple of hours from A to Z. Multiply that by 4 and you tend to have an expensive set of shackles.

As for what vendors are selling, I was unaware that any vendors are selling any shackles other than the cheapie 'JC Whitney-looking' 4-piece shackles. To my knowledge, the cast repros have been out of production for over a year now. Rusty, the company that was making those went out of business. One of the vendors actually had manufacturing of new shackles quoted by an OEM supplier however the cost alone was like $50 a piece, ...which that vendor felt most hobbyists would consider too expensive by the time they were sold at a profit.

As far as a forged replacement, the original shackle was made from a solid bar of steel and was first machined and then stamped into the shape of a shackle. I even understand there were some recent repro shackles that were made in India. Those may be the ones Vince mentions on his website. Even the old Bulldog brand are getting tougher to find. I guess I'll just keep looking and waiting on a new supplier. Thanks everyone.

[Indiana A. Lover]

Brent I have a rear set on the back of my 29 boat tail. they are from Mikes and have had no problems. I figure they will out last me, but I warn every one if there is a concern. Iuse Mikes stuff and I speak to him at least 1 time a month.

[larrys40]

Brent
I find/ use the NORS units whenever possible, old bulldog brand or otherwise. I have installed the repros available from Snyders or Brattons when necessary but in my opinion they are junk and last choice.
Are you saying they are not available anymore?
Larry

[Gold Digger]

I bought a set of rear shackles from Mike's a few months back and was well pleased with them. They may not last as long as the originals but will do for the next 20 years or so if I only grease them twice.

[Flathead]

I've been lucky enough to find usable originals, but then I don't restore multiple vehicles. My needs are small. So...we don't like the ones from our major suppliers? How about Bert's?

[Barber31]

I purchased mine from mikes and they seem good to me. They weren't in 4 pieces like the others you spoke of.

[Synchro909]

I suppose that if the shackles available now are too soft, you could get them hardened.

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

I suppose that if the shackles available now are too soft, you could get them hardened.

Only if it is the right grade of steel.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by George Miller

Only if it is the right grade of steel.

Can you even heat-treat Chinese or Indian cast iron??

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by BRENT in 10-uh-C

Can you even heat-treat Chinese or Indian cast iron??

If you could it would be very brittle. Cast iron is the wrong material for shackle.
4140 or 4340 would be good.

[Jemelton#]

I purchased a set of them from Mikes and was very pleased with them.