Newbe here 1938 Tudor humpback

J

Jagawar

Member
I just purchased a 38 humpback, survivor car, 64k original miles. I don't intend to do any mods on it, just enjoy it for what it is. However, I do want to make it as safe to drive as possible. Inspecting the front end, I discovered play in the kingpins; the steering box has some play and is leaking from the bottom seal. Question: Doing the kingpins is not that hard to do I think? However, the Steering box is another story. Is there a reputable rebuilder ? I live in NC, or a good video on the rebuilding and inspection? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Mark Thornton
 
Congratulations on what sounds to be a neat car. I have to ask; is it a 60 HP or an 85? The "Thrifty Sixty" can be a lot of fun at first, but the lack of torque can soon become quite irritating.

I think you are wise bringing the front suspension "up to snuff". When I was a kid, we would do kingpins and bushings with a brake hone and a sharp eye. I believe this is frowned upon here, but any machine shop should be able to hone them for you. Piloted reamers are available if you want to do it yourself. Lares Corporation in Cambridge, MN specializes in remanufacturing steering gears and has a good reputation. I believe most of the parts are available so you can do it yourself. Unless you have a fully equipped shop, it's the kind of job I'd rather send out.

Also, don't forget other parts, such as the spring shackles and even the rubber "ball" on the end of the wishbone. Replacement parts are readily available, but again, the job is much easier with the specialized tools available. Tie rod ends, at least, are easy.

Finally, there are the shock absorbers. Ford used hydraulic Houdaille lever action shocks in these years. They work fine but eventually wear out. They are not something you can rebuild yourself. There are companies that will do this. I believe "Andy's Shox" is a good one and "Apple Hydraulics" is a well known name with a so-so reputation. Do your research.
 
It's an 85 HP it was rebuilt and punched to .030 pistons in 91 only 15k miles on the new engine. PO gave me a logbook on the car he wrote down everything to the last washer and cotter pin ever done to this car. unbelievable. records. Including VA inspection stickers dating back to 1938 .I am the 4th owner as the 2nd owner only flipped it. The third owner put a lot of money into it , and now me. Thank yu so much for the advice . I am 78 yrs old and been working on cars since I was 12 , Its been a while since I worked on an Oldie. PS I have a shop in my backyard with a Lift . I specialised in restoration of British cars mostly.
 
Welcome aboard, that sounds like a great, well documented car you got. Get your post count up to 10 so that have full access to this forum. You sound like you are well equipped for working on your new vehicle, enjoy the journey.
 
Having a Bugger of a time trying to find the stamped VIN on the chassis. What am I missing? My Orig owners manual says 85 hp, the interior front floor is the rubber one Not carpet. I am tring to find out if the model is the 81 a or the 82?
 

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Highly recommend LARES Corporation in MN.
Just did two for me, and while not inexpensive, they machine very thing adjust everything, fill it with John Deere Corn grease (recommended and will not leak) and paint it.
Shipping will add to the cost, but mine steers so much better.
 
Steering gear? You are fairly close to Mike Drsikell in TN. He will do an excellent job for you at a reasonable cost.
I second the advice of filling with John Deere Cornhead grease.
 
Here's a different approach. Last summer, I spent in inordinate amount of time removing the lube from the steering gear of my '51 and refilling it with Penrite steering gear lubricant. The other day I was driving around town and came to the realization that it steered much better and easier and remembered the work I had gone through last year.

No leaks either. I had considered the "Cornhead Grease" but for some reason decided to try something different. It seems to have worked.
 
I just got done rebuilding mine, there’s a few videos and info on line. I bought the bearings and seals from van pelt, the worst part was knocking out the inner race and honing the bushings. Then preload the bearings before you put the sector in and yes use corn head grease.
 
Thank You all for the
Advice . I am now working on the seats, removing the Rayco seat covers, the original seats are underneath. rear seat is in good shape, other than sun damage to the top. Bottom seat still has the metal tag. Starts with 81A. Interesting, I am quite sure I have the 82a interior No clock in the dash. I guess the seats were the same on both options. I intend to leave the outside patina alone and just renew the interior. Or should I just leave everything alone and just do mechanical maintenance? Advice needed .
 
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