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Old 07-20-2021, 10:08 AM   #1
svmsr1044
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Default Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Apparently, there is no commercially available front tube shock conversion kit for a 40 Ford car that is compatible with the front stabilizer bar; yet, some of you have successfully done this conversion. What has your solution been?

Thanks,
Steve
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Old 07-20-2021, 11:59 AM   #2
19Fordy
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Do a search on Swap meet parts for sale using the term tube shock kit.
look here:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/searc...rchid=24009774
There was a company that made a front tube conversion shock kit for 40 Fords with sway bars back in the 60's. They sometimes come up for sale on Ebay. If you have the materials, tools and time you could make your own kit. I made the lower shock mount tapered shock bolt that fits the perch bolt on a lathe.
I bet this could be modified to fit?
https://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/ford...=11A-18124-KIT

Here's an interesting read.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...#post-10586451
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Last edited by 19Fordy; 07-20-2021 at 02:09 PM.
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Old 07-20-2021, 01:08 PM   #3
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Ive got a set of those . I doubt ill be using them . Pm me . Maybe 2 sets come to think of it .
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Old 07-20-2021, 01:09 PM   #4
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Thought about tube shocks to replace the worn Houdaille units on the front of my '41. As you have learned, it is not easy. I was certainly not willing to give up the front sway bar. In the end I decided it was best to just have Andy Falandes rebuild the original shocks.
That did not take long, was not that expensive, and the shocks work great. Ride and handling improved.
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Old 07-20-2021, 01:19 PM   #5
19Fordy
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

drolsten makes a good point, especially if you don't already have the sway bar perch bolts
already installed as you then have to remove the entire front suspension and axle.
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Old 07-20-2021, 08:34 PM   #6
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

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Quote:
Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
drolsten makes a good point, especially if you don't already have the sway bar perch bolts
already installed as you then have to remove the entire front suspension and axle.
Same here I bought a set of front conversion mounts for my ‘41 but ended up having Andy rebuild all my shocks front and rear.
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Old 07-22-2021, 06:16 AM   #7
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

If you get in trouble the lower shock mount bolt can be fabbed from a motor or gearbox mount bolt.

You'll need to cut the head off the bolt (and some of the shaft) and weld a thick retaining washer in place of the bolt head. You can't just space out the mount bolt for the shocks, it is too long and will interfere with the chassis through its travel.

From memory (I might be wrong here - you better check), you need about 37mm of shaft (just enough) to allow for correct compression of the shock bushes when you bolt up to the perch. This may also depend on the shocks you use.
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Old 07-23-2021, 05:24 AM   #8
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

i had a 41 ford couple and replaced the original shocks with a NOS monroe tube shock kit i think it was a waste of time as the original gave a better ride
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Old 07-23-2021, 09:31 AM   #9
19Fordy
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

If you have a lathe you can turn down a 5/8 in. dia. Rockford Grade 8 bolt for the lower front tube shock mount.
I did not cut off the head of the bolt but, added a washer for the shock. First, practice cutting the taper on a a scrap piece of aluminum to check the fit before turning the taper on your bolt.
I made it longer than stock so I could double nut it. Works fine, Here's some photos.
Last photo shows the Ford OEM shock mount bolt. Hope this helps someone.
PS: I realize the sketch dimensions do not meet today's ASTME Standards.
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Last edited by 19Fordy; 07-23-2021 at 10:19 AM.
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Old 07-23-2021, 11:49 AM   #10
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

I put the same kit on my '40 as pictured above and it works fine with the sway bar. I got lucky and found a set at a swap meet that still had the crusty shocks with the tapered lower bolt in them. The upper brackets come up for sale all of the time. It would be easy enough to make the lower bolt or come up with some kind of shim or bushing with a regular bolt.
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Old 07-23-2021, 12:15 PM   #11
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Quote:
Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
Last photo shows the Ford OEM shock mount bolt. Hope this helps someone.
PS: I realize the sketch dimensions do not meet today's ASTME Standards.

If it helps any, that is a 7º taper. DD


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Old 07-23-2021, 01:53 PM   #12
19Fordy
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

V8: THANK YOU for letting me know about the taper angle.
I made it so long ago that I forgot.

You sure have neat little pieces of tech. info stuffed in your brain that you willingly share.
"Thank goodness"
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Old 07-23-2021, 03:56 PM   #13
svmsr1044
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Thank you so much! You guys are amazing, you have a wealth of experience and information, and you are willing to share it!

Thanks again,
Steve
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Old 07-23-2021, 05:55 PM   #14
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Quote:
Originally Posted by 19Fordy View Post
V8: THANK YOU for letting me know about the taper angle.
I made it so long ago that I forgot.

You sure have neat little pieces of tech. info stuffed in your brain that you willingly share.
"Thank goodness"

That's funny, 'cuz I REALLY make-up most of that stuff! Now, back to our regularly-scheduled programming. DD
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Old 07-23-2021, 07:57 PM   #15
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Default Re: Front tube shocks 40 deluxe car

Lol
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