Spring Perches; replace,fix or keep?

[Brubaker]

I am a little perplexed about what to do with(about) my spring perches. Holes are moderately chipped and oblong. Was planning on replacing, but I'm disappointed with perches I've seen for sale. Not much better than what I have, and $50 each. Best to just live with what is there? I'm assuming new bushings will 'help' with the oblong holes and the chips will probably be hid by the spring hanger and hanger bar. Don't think it's worth brazing/drilling. Am doing all I can to use original/stock material.

 

[Roadster62]

I don't know if you have ever removed a Model A spring perch or not, based on your questions I think you haven't. It is NOT a happy project. Replace the bushings and fill any voids and enjoy the car.

 

[Brubaker]

Roadster62...You're right, not one of the easier restoring tasks. I've put a lot of energy into it already(see pic) but neither is budging. Kidding about the Cat. Thank you for the advice!
Bruce

 

[Tom - ATL]

I'm in the process of rebuilding the Front Perches. What I did was... Weld up the worn areas on the bushing hole by ,placing a piece of copper tubing in the bore - then weld the edges up, grind back down (this keeps the bore the correct size without drilling or grinding) Then you can fill the egg shaped interior area with J B Weld, let dry, clean up the surface and install the new bushings. Just my way of solving the same problem.

 

[Brubaker]

Thanks Tom

 

[MN Stumpjumper]

I haven't done the frts. this way, but on the rear ones I welded a bead or two on the new bushing and shaped it to fit the "hollow" in the perch and drive it in .

 

[Purdy Swoft]

I replace the bushings and build up the worn ends of the front perches with weld. I used mild steel 1/16 welding rod and the accetelene torch. I grind and finish the welds . I run my shackle bushing reamer through the bushing. I then paint and it is probably good for a life time if properly greased. You can use a mig welder but the welds are harder and it is more dificult to grind and finish. If I ever needed to replace the welded in bushing I could use an adjustable reamer to remove them. If you are a good welder it won't be a problem.