VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Replacement Shocks - 1938 Master Coupe

I'm lucky enough to have TUBE shocks on my Canadian 1938 Coupe. I'm working on my chassis this summer so want to order some new shocks.

I have many choices as I can literally walk into NAPA and start comparing lengths to my originals.
There are actually too many choices - cheapo, truck shocks, soft ride, firm ride, adjustable, coil-over, etc. All better than original but some options might work much better than others for this car.

The rear of the 38 coupe is very light so I would think a "softer" shock would work as I suspect minimal suspension movement?

The front of the car is very heavy with that heavy cast engine and it has stiff leaf spring suspension (pretty much a truck suspension in Canada). Would a truck shock or heavier duty car shock be a better choice for the front? Maybe a soft coil-over?

Kinda fun to be able to choose something NEW for a change!

Thanks

I would say a heavy duty car shock. Would be equal to a light truck shock.
Coil overs would raise the front end and/or stiffen the compression movement.
How many leafs are in the front springs now?
What makes you think there is a lot of weight on the front? Most cars of that time had close to a 50/50 weight distribution and a 1938 Chevrolet coupe weighed only about 2800 pounds.

"heavy front" was simply an assumption from knowing how much the cast engine weighs and how light the back end feels shoving it around my garage lol.

Front springs have 9 leafs. Front drivers side has the Kick Shackle.

Rear springs have 7 leafs.

Thanks

US cars have 8 leafs and same for 1/2 ton trucks.
The curb weight of a Master coupe is 2910 (shipping weight 2770) with 1465 on the front weels and 1325 on the rear.
The fatter Pontiac sheet metal may add a few pounds.
I believe the was also a half leaf that went from the axle back on US models.

Hi!
I wouldn´t use heavy car shocks.
Because the interleaf friction even provides a damping action.
My buddy uses tube shocks form a Daewoo Matiz on his vintage car (about 2600 lbs curb weight) with leaf spring suspension and it rides well.

I would like to see some pics from the canadian shock mounts?
Tino!

I have a 39 CDN Pontiac that came with tube shocks in the front and lever shocks on the rear. They are single acting shocks and I thought it would be tough to find a tube shock replacement but the parts guy found it. I went with a car shock because these cars are light and I am also running 600x16 tires and don't want a stiff ride. Most shocks today are gas so it may be a challenge to find a traditional shock.

Thanks guys. I'm starting to realize how light this car is and how stiff this suspension is. A lighter duty shock might be the way to go indeed. Thanks for the numbers Gene.

Ya Mike, gas charged would be mighty stiff. Lots of straight hydraulic shocks still out there for vintage applications though when I had a quick look. Interesting your 39 only had tube on front.

Tino, I will get some suspension photos to you. PM me if you are in a hurry. There are a few people who want pictures of the shock mounts and anti-sway bar so was going to get good pics after I lift the body off. The rears are tube as well and have skid plates in front of each.

My Canadian 38 has tube shocks too and the anti sway bar. One of the fascinating things in the manual is that the original tube shocks could be disassembled and repaired. Imagine that!

Do you have the original tube shocks?
They had small square head plugs like used on the lever action shocks where you could refill them if they leaked hydraulic fluid.
Wonder if a rebuilder like Apple would have a go at them.

I am sure that my tube shocks are modern replacements. Too bad because the originals would be such a piece of history.

I would like to add REAR tube shocks to my USA made 37 Chevy 4 door master deluxe sports sedan. I have rebuilt knee action in front. The rear end is too light, and with the single action lever shocks, the tires leave the ground upon hitting bumps in the road. Doesn't make for a smooth ride and I loose traction under acceleration. I don't have the vehicle judged anymore.

Can someone please post pics of the Canadian rear shocks mentioned, or point me to a retrofit option...likely from a street rod application?

email me directly if convenient: cisgww "at" aol.com

cisgww,

I've emailed you a few pictures of the rear shock mount.