Bent Wishbone

Rex Smith

Rex Smith

Member
I was ready to install the engine/transmission into my '29 truck when I noticed a twist in the wishbone. It's bent at the weld near the passenger side bend (near the ball). I've tried to straighten it in my press, but no go. Any pointers on how to approach this?
 
When rebuilding the front end of our 29 twenty years ago, the restorer found when putting everything back together a similar problem.

They had to finally replace damaged wishbone with another one. No matter what was done to correct the wishbone problem, they could not get the front end right using the damaged wishbone.

Your car might have been in accident years ago. There could be other things out of order also. That was our problem. Good luck, enjoy.
 
I would think that finding another wishbone would be rather easy. Every Model A had them and they should be all the same regardless of model. I wouldn't even try to straighten it, just find another one.
 
I may be wrong but I do not think all Model A wishbones are the same. I have a 28 AR chassis and I have been changing the frame and components so that it will be a 30 chassis. I happen to have 30 PU cab and box mounted on the 28 AR frame chassis. It has been quite a project. I have a long list of the changes I have made. In fact the most recent change I have had to make is the wishbone. The early wishbone was made to light and was changed to a stronger one that would not bend. They both look the same. Early one is one half inch and later is five eight inch where it hooks to the axle.
 
I had a similar problem where it appeared that the ball was not centered under the transmission housing. I took the front end to a body shop that could straighten frames and he was able to center everything up. Ed
 
I once straightened a wishbone with a bottle jack on it mounted under a motor home,worked out well,then eventually found a good one.
 
There are differences in the wishbones from 28 to 31.... please check your judging standards for differences.

They do bend fairly easily in fact, and can be straightened at the back end.... and if they are bent in the middle. Look for broken points at the spring perch ends...
you can lay them on a flat floor ( make sure it is a good true flat floor) and get an idea from the back end if they have a twist or wobble to them.
A little press work can put them back in shape if you wish.
larry Shepard
 
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