VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Knee Action to Straight Axle conversion

I understand that there was a conversion kit offered by GM in the 1940’s to change a 1937-38 Master Deluxe Dubonnet front suspension to a conventional straight axle. Does anyone recall what parts were in this conversion kit or any installation instructions?

I'm thinking about replacing the frame on my 1937 Master due to rust issues, and wondering if I should consider a Master Deluxe donor frame. I'm particularly interested in whether the front cross member from the Master Deluxe can be retained in the conversion and the GM recommendation for attaching the new spring shackle mount forgings to the frame (whether bolted or riveted).

I should be able to swap over all the axle, suspension, brakes, brackets, frame reinforcement tubes, etc. from the Master, but don’t look forward to riveting in the cross member and spring shackle mounts if this is required.

By the way - I haven’t started the search for a frame yet (may still repair what I have), but if anyone knows of a good one from a 37 Master I’d appreciate any leads. Thanks, Tom

The conversion contained all the necessary parts like the tubes to go inside of the frame rails were bolts were used. I can't remember what they did with the crossmember. Sure could not have left the big horns sticking out for the knees.
I have the instructions some where, Will try to find them.
My advise would be to stay with a '37 Master frame if at all possible.

Thanks Chev Nut. I'd really appreciate a copy of the instructions if you find them.
I'll work on repairing mine, but still keep a lookout for a better Master frame. Tom

I have a copy of the instructions as well, if you don't get one, let me know and I'll look for it & scan it. Unfortunately the pictures are not very clear, as it is a copy of a copy.

On another note, while talking to my father a little while ago about axles, he said that he just remembered something...when he bought a set of '38 Master coupe parts, the front and rear axles were included, but he figured he had no use for them so he put them on a pile of junk in the woods behind his house. We went back there but could not find them, as they are now buried under new foliage.....will need a metal detector and a few shovels....

Would the extra knee action 1940 cross member that I have for sale work for this situation?

dtm

not realy

green427 - thanks for the offer. I've sent a PM

Hi I have everthing you need for this conversion. I did this on my 1938 md. It is not at all hard to do and you can keep (use) your crossmember. I would be glad to help you with this. It will only to a few hours to complite. Mark

Thanks Mark. I'll get in touch if I end up using a Master Deluxe frame. My question was whether I should consider the Master Deluxe with a straight axle conversion to replace my Master frame. I haven't found a good '37 donor frame yet (either style), but I'm still thinking of a frame swap since the one on my Master needs quite a few repairs. Tom