1947 coupe upgrade to airplane shocks?

[RalphM]

Replacing the old Houdaille shocks(ripped holes in frame) with modern style.
I used my 47 woody parts car lower shock mounts(bolt on) but I can’t figure out the top mount. Gas tank is in the way, and unlike the earlier rear crossmembers, this one is boxed in. I ordered some modern mounting kits, but it’s going to be difficult to install.
How did the originals come out?
Here is the kit I ordered.

 

[RalphM]

Here are the lowers I’m using

Forgot to say, it’s the rears I’m doing now.

 

[petehoovie]

Replacing the old Houdaille shocks(ripped holes in frame) with modern style.
I used my 47 woody parts car lower shock mounts(bolt on) but I can’t figure out the top mount. Gas tank is in the way, and unlike the earlier rear crossmembers, this one is boxed in. I ordered some modern mounting kits, but it’s going to be difficult to install.
How did the originals come out?
Here is the kit I ordered.

 

[petehoovie]

Here are the lowers I’m using

Forgot to say, it’s the rears I’m doing now.

 

[bobH]

I suspect not all 47's are the same. There were numerous running changes during the 46-48 period. Well documented in old V8 Times (and probably other places). On my 47, the rear shock mounts were factory installed, both upper and lower. So, in my case, it was only a matter of acquiring 47 shocks (Auto Zone) and installing them. On my 47, those 'studs' for the upper mount, were already on the crossmember. So, I'm no help. But I would suggest crawling under other 47's or 48's at car shows, and see if you can get an idea how the factory did it. (I didn't even remove the lever shocks, when I put on the tube shocks, on the rear.)
On the front of my 47, there was a different story. It already had the lower studs on the axle. Looked like someone had been there before me. And for the top, I had to buy the factory frame mounts. And, remove the lever shocks.)
And, BTW, having tube shocks was a huge improvement. I think the lever shocks were not working.

 

[19Fordy]

Here's the rear tube shock mounts on my 40 Ford.

 

[petehoovie]

Here's the rear tube shock mounts on my 40 Ford.

 

[flathead48]

I put them on my 48, I had the uppers made from ford green book. The top mount has to go all the way through the cross member . Tight fit trying to get your hand in to put the lock washer & nut on, real closer to fuel tank. I am not happy with the set up because of the angle of the shocks. I really wonder how effective they are.

 

[rotorwrench]

Ford started using the conventional tube shocks mid year in 1947 but the aftermarket shock manufacturers were also busy fabricating there own installation kits to sell their shocks. I've seen several designs. Some clamp to the frame depending on year of manufacture.

 

[glennpm]

Ralph, can you take some pictures of the upper location so we can better provided ideas to you?

 

[RalphM]

This is an early 47. It has the upper rectangle parking lights. So it came out of the factory with Houdaille’s. The front has already been converted.
Here’s a picture of the crossmember.

Also I think I found a picture of the original style bolt. Like Flathead48 said it’s going to be tight getting a nut/washer on these! I think I’ll go back under the Woody and see how tough this will be.

 

[petehoovie]

This is an early 47. It has the upper rectangle parking lights. So it came out of the factory with Houdaille’s. The front has already been converted.
Here’s a picture of the crossmember.

Also I think I found a picture of the original style bolt. Like Flathead48 said it’s going to be tight getting a nut/washer on these! I think I’ll go back under the Woody and see how tough this will be.

 

[rich b]

Faced with the same thing; I cut a piece to 1/4x2x2 to form a channel that accepted a regular shock stud and spaced it far enough out the nut on the backside cleared the face of the crossmember. I was easily welded in place.

Would be tight; but doable to replace the stud; but doubt that it would ever be necessary.

 

[RalphM]

I’m out here now working on taking the shock mount from the woody. I cheated and bent the gas tank so that I could get a socket on it. The nut is off, but I can’t get the stud to move. I’m going to resort to a hammer and brass drift and see if it will free up.
Also going to see if it will turn from the shock side with a pipe wrench.

 

[RalphM]

Success!
One at least, it was really rusted in.
Now I need to do get the other side.

 

[petehoovie]

Faced with the same thing; I cut a piece to 1/4x2x2 to form a channel that accepted a regular shock stud and spaced it far enough out the nut on the backside cleared the face of the crossmember. I was easily welded in place.

Would be tight; but doable to replace the stud; but doubt that it would ever be necessary.

 

[petehoovie]

Success!
One at least, it was really rusted in.
Now I need to do get the other side.

 

[RalphM]

Good idea Rich!
Had I not started with the factory stud removal I would have gone that route.
But these are out now, all cleaned up, and are factory bolt in( I hope!)

 

[petehoovie]

Good idea Rich!
Had I not started with the factory stud removal I would have gone that route.
But these are out now, all cleaned up, and are factory bolt in( I hope!)

 

[19Fordy]

Thanks Pete. Those enlarged photos really make a big difference.