Build Thread: 1937 LaSalle / Family Hot Rod

[Bob Parmenter]

I'm learning all the time here ,...........

And teaching.............

If there was anyone not fully following these few comments you just completed the concept.

[37 Caddy]

I went to NAPA today, but came home empty handed because I was unsure of my math. However, I now have more knowledge than when I came. Here is my thoughts on shocks.

The length of my shocks at ride height will need to be approximately 19in, most shocks I saw had travel of about 8in. If I assume that the shock is compressed 30%-40% of travel at ride height (approx 3in) then I need a shock with an extended length of 22in.

Does this sound right????

[bluestang67]

That would be a close guessement . Do you know them well enough to let you bring home a tester . My local old time parts store is letting me borrow some belts to get correct fit when im ready.

[Itoldyouso]

Monroe Shocks has an online application chart listing various lengths and eye configurations. Here it is:


http://www.monroe.com/catalog_lookup...iscappinfo.asp


You might consider air shocks too. I put a set from a Ford station wagon on my Jeep truck to handle extra weight. With a big sedan like yours you will be hauling lots of people sometimes.

Don

[37 Caddy]

Thank you. The dimensions chart you sent me looked very familiar as that is what I was looking through at NAPA this morning. I did buy some shocks with stud mounts on both ends. The measure 22.125in extended and should fit perfectly. I will have to wait and see how they perform. I think their actual application is a Ford F-150.

If I can get out to the garage tonight I will post some pictures of my progress on fabricating upper mounts and installing the shocks.

[37 Caddy]

I worked on two things tonight: 1)repairing some notches in the frame where incorrect upper shock mounts used to be, and 2) fabbing an upper shock mount that isn't right.

I learn alot by screwing things up or rushing through a project only to realize I made a stupid mistake. The upper shock mount is just the most recent mistake, but at least I have learned from it. I learned that I will need mounts that extend farther from the upper tube and that I should mount the shocks more vertical. I can't get the washer past the tube on my first upper mount attempt. I will begin work on the next set of mounts next time I get some garage time. The pictures tell the story.

frame repair 2.JPG

frame repair 1.JPG

shock oops.JPG

shock oops 2.JPG

[Bob Parmenter]

I learn alot by screwing things up or rushing through a project only to realize I made a stupid mistake.

There's another way?