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02-28-2017, 08:51 PM | #1 |
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Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I am converting my 47 Ford Super Deluxe Sedan Coupe from lever to tube shocks. In the front end the upper mount apparently can use either the same frame holes that the old lever shocks used for mounting or two vertically aligned frame holes located maybe 6" further back. The mounts for these two locations are configured differently. The lower mount can either go in the perch bolt hole where the lever shock had connected or in a hole in the axle up near the kingpin boss if you have the later 48 axle that has the bolt hole already there.
Luckily my 47 Coupe has the 48 front axle so I can use that pre-existing hole for the lower shock mount. Aligning the shock between the upper and lower mounts is where the problem is in my project. Here are a few photos of the alternative mounting brackets. Has anybody been through this conversion, and how did you do it? |
02-28-2017, 09:56 PM | #2 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
My '48 coupe has the set that appears to be in primer on the second row. Bolts to existing holes. I have a dropped axle in my car from Magnum axle and it has the hole in the axle for the lower shock mount as did the stock '48 axle. Find a pair of those and it's an easy swap. Good luck with your project.
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02-28-2017, 10:18 PM | #3 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Thank you, tracktguy!
Is it possible to post a photo of your setup? I have looked at so many different methods in the last couple of weeks that all seem to make sense but before buying anything more I want to be sure it is the right setup. Thanks again. |
02-28-2017, 10:44 PM | #4 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
These are 48 NOS mounts on a 47 coupe, bottom was a shock stud drilled through axle.
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02-28-2017, 11:10 PM | #5 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
The photo above RalphM posted is what it is. I will try to get picture of my set-up with the dropped axle with the shock stud. Mine isn't quite as low as Ralph's. I have the flathead with a T5 transmission attached going to a Ford 9" rear. Check back tomorrow for picture.
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02-28-2017, 11:23 PM | #6 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
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03-01-2017, 05:46 AM | #7 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
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03-01-2017, 06:30 AM | #8 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I also Have some parts similar to those shown .
Will have to look them up. kerk |
03-01-2017, 07:47 AM | #9 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I used the one pictured on right and the perch hole where the old shock lever went, works great.
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03-01-2017, 08:43 AM | #10 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
If you use the factory 48 mounts as picture in RalphM picture the inner fender aprons are different. I have a 48 with factory tube shocks if you need a picture let me know. Dale.
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03-01-2017, 09:43 AM | #11 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Due to the differences in the inner fender panels you may need to put a spacer between the bracket and frame to keep it away from the inner fender panel.
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03-01-2017, 11:48 AM | #12 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Here is picture of my '48 with OEM shock mounts.
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03-01-2017, 12:43 PM | #13 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Thank you everybody! You guys know everything. The photos really help.
Now the question is how much the inner fender of a 47 coupe will interfere. I will have to go out and take another look at my inner fenders. If putting a spacer between the mount and the frame will give enough clearance that seems to be the way to go. The alternative that flathead48 used is what I was going to try before I saw that my axle already had the mounting hole. I think those towers go up higher though so I will have to check the inner fender clearance again. It is nice that a couple of you do have some useful "inventory" for this conversion too. I will be back. |
03-01-2017, 12:53 PM | #14 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
On a related note, anyone know a good source/parts no. for the shocks themselves? I need to replace the front shocks on my '47, but have had trouble finding them with the usual suspects.
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03-01-2017, 04:08 PM | #15 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
For tubular shocks try www.rockauto.com where I got mine for around $18 each.
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03-01-2017, 04:19 PM | #16 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Tractguy, what did you use for the dogbone on your sway bar ends?
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03-01-2017, 04:21 PM | #17 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
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03-01-2017, 04:52 PM | #18 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Here is a picture of my 48 with factory shocks. Looks like it would take a thick spacer. I have one NOS fender apron for the tube shocks.
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03-01-2017, 07:48 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
I checked with the other guy here who said he had some but an unknown third party had jumped in and bought them. Cool Hand Lurker |
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03-01-2017, 08:00 PM | #20 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Slightly off topic, '40 instead of later '47-'48. Has anyone drilled the '40 axle for the 1/2-20 shock stud in about the same location as the later ones shown in photos on this post. I will custom make the upper front mount from F-100 mounts. I f this has been done, it will save me some welding off bungs for the lower stud.
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03-01-2017, 08:09 PM | #21 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
Thanks Deuce. It looks like that will take more than a little spacer. I could probably machine a wedge-shaped spacer that would kick out the top more but it might be easier and quicker to just make the whole shock tower. Finding a used one is a problem. |
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03-01-2017, 08:13 PM | #22 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I used 3/8" rod ends or Heim Joints as the racers call them. I worked at manufacturing facility that used all sizes and I could get them from the R&D department for peanuts. I can't remember if I tapped the mounts for the bolts or just opened them up a little to accommodate the 3/8 bolt. I also fabricated the front and rear stabilizer using a rod end at one end. It made it nice if you wanted to do a minor adjusting. Again, much cheaper for me at the time.
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03-01-2017, 08:14 PM | #23 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I have left and right inner fender panels, which I think are the correct ones. They are in good shape, b ut some one cut a hole in each one which needs to be filled. Tiny rust problem in one.
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03-01-2017, 10:24 PM | #24 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Ok, finally went out and snapped a pic of mine. Mine looks kind of like top right of your original set of photos or like the C&G kit in the top middle photo. No problem with fender liner clearance because it doesn't curve back inward. It also seems to maybe extend farther up than the factory version? That's how I got the car so no knowledge of manufacturer, etc.
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03-02-2017, 11:36 AM | #25 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
I was also thinking of Heim joints instead of a stock dogbone although the dogbone would be quicker and time-tested. Did you connect the two Heim joints with a threaded coupler? How did you attach the Heim to the end of the sway bar, drill and tap or use a female-end Heim and thread the outside of the bar? |
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03-02-2017, 01:43 PM | #26 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
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03-02-2017, 01:47 PM | #27 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
It might not be an age thing. Maybe just too many Minnesota winters. Eh?
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03-02-2017, 01:50 PM | #28 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Definitely!!!! These nice days we have coming really get me anxious to get the car out but I know what can happen the NEXT day here in Minnesota.
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03-02-2017, 01:54 PM | #29 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
If I can't find any used mounts I think I will weld up some like flatheadV8 and jagnweiner used. |
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03-02-2017, 02:07 PM | #30 | |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Quote:
One is the height you mentioned. If I make should it go that high, or do I put the shock on and set it at midway to locate the upper mount stud. Also, the stud points to the side of the car while the stud in the axle hole points front and back. I will probably have to put a "U" bracket at the top instead of the stud. One thing is sure.... I can certainly make things more complicated than necessary! The other thing the photo tells me is that whoever put the sway bar on last time, they put it on wrong. Mine goes above the perch bolt and the link goes down to the perch bolt instead of how the photo shows it. My sway bar jams against the body of the lever shock. Not good, that will be changed. Thanks again! |
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03-02-2017, 02:20 PM | #31 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Cool Hand,
I'll take some more photos from different angles of the bottom mount tonight. Someone else sent me a PM on the subject. In looking closely, I think that the kit that was used on mine might be the 42-48 version of the C&G kit shown in your second photo. The part # on your photo is for 35-36 and C&G doesn't show a photo of the 42-48 version. However, the design looks the same.
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03-02-2017, 02:24 PM | #32 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I drilled the axle, what a pain in the a** that waz.
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03-02-2017, 04:01 PM | #33 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
The more I look at the photo in post #24 that seems the easiest way to go. I do have the double eye perch bolt and the bottom of the shock can go there instead of in the axle hole. The shock will be upright no matter if the bracket angle is a little bit off from front to back.
Also, the bracket will be fairly easy to make with some scrap thick wall 1x3 rectangular tubing that I have in "inventory" waiting for it's turn to be appreciated. |
03-02-2017, 04:25 PM | #34 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
As promised, I'll take some more photos showing the bottom mount tonight and post.
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03-02-2017, 08:31 PM | #35 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Here are a few more pics. Bottom mount from the rear and the inside, and one more shot of the whole assembly.
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03-02-2017, 09:45 PM | #36 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Looks good! Plenty of room, good alignment. The bottom of the shock is placed higher than where it would be if it were on the axle so that is why the top mount is higher. OK!
Thanks again. |
03-02-2017, 10:20 PM | #37 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
BTW, where in southern MN are you? We lived in the twin cities in two different stints for 14 years.
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03-03-2017, 11:24 AM | #38 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
In New Ulm with all the other Germans, ya.
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01-15-2018, 01:50 PM | #39 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
UPDATE
I ended up using a generic kit with the upper mount like in the top left photo in Post #1. The bottom of the shock mounted on a piggyback aftermarket shackle. But recently I found some stock 1948 towers like in the second row, left end of Post #1 and I am putting them in so the suspension system will be like the stock 1948 car. But I can't find anybody who sells the mounting stud for the bottom of the shock that goes through the hole in the axle. I believe the axle hole is 1/2" but the shock hole is 7/16" and a bolt would have to be about 4" long. It would need a collar to be able to tighten the axle end and shock end separately. Any ideas as to who might have a couple of these studs in stock? Last edited by Cool Hand Lurker; 01-15-2018 at 08:08 PM. |
01-15-2018, 04:41 PM | #40 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Hey Ron, Sounds like you had a dull drill running in reverse??? G.M.
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01-15-2018, 05:48 PM | #41 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Would a 48 axle substitute for a 41 axle? Same width?
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01-15-2018, 05:58 PM | #42 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
I had the fun of drilling my'47 axle on the car for my shocks. I think I either found the lower bolts here or eBay. I wonder if these will work:
http://midfifty.com/item.php?INV_ID=...gh-axle-48-52- My setup and the lower studs you need. Last edited by 1oldtimer; 01-15-2018 at 06:07 PM. |
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01-15-2018, 06:36 PM | #43 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
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01-15-2018, 08:56 PM | #44 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
Thanks for the link, 1oldtimer. I checked it out and they have them for the 48-52 F100 pickup. But would that be the same as the 48 Coupe?
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01-15-2018, 09:41 PM | #45 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
If nobody chimes in it might be worth a call to find out how long the part is that goes through the axle is and the diameter of the stud. Mid Fifty has really nice people working there and will give you an answer.
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01-15-2018, 09:49 PM | #46 |
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Re: Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks
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