VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Front tube shocks 1948 Chevy coupe

I just finished installing a home made tube shock conversion on my 48 Chevy coupe. Only one 3/8" hole needs to be drilled in the lower control arm .......all the top mounting brackets are bolt on, no welding required at all. Sorry no pictures, too difficult to post on this site :( Looks really neat and will work well :)

Keep original are shocks filled with some kind of oil to act as a lubricant.

Yes, already done , thanks :)

My 48 has tube shocks on it when I bought it. The brackets are welded on. Looks like it might have been a kit at one time. I posted pictured on ChevyTalk a few years ago.

Tube shocks on a 48? What in the world are we coming to? Mercy!

You may as well upgrade to a Mustang front end. Heavens to Betsy!

You tryihg to run the rebuilders out of business? What if this catches on? Repent now before its too late. At least, please tell me that it's not a precious Fleetline you a-coin this to. Glory!

That 48 got a Fulton on it. Might as well go all the way.

Stinkin Hot-rodders!

Charlie

ello Mel

Can you share some more details like the shock brand and model or perhaps a kit order Nr.!

Thank you in advance

PS ( before I get shot by Charlie ) I have already a set of original NOS frond shocks but I do not have the space or time to install them.

Jianis

Thought you would find this interesting. My car had tube type shocks on it when I started the restoration many years ago. I found a NORS kit at a flea market or auction during my restoration process. I just found the instructions for it this AM and if my picture comes through you can enjoy. If not if there is someone who knows how I will send it to them and let them post it. The kit was a total bolt on deal but I do not see a company name on the instructions. Didn't work so I need some help!

Not a Fleetline. It is a Fleetmaster coupe and does not have a Fulton on it. Not that I would mind if it did have one.

I missed out on this set a couple of years ago on eBay. Maybe you can use the pictures as a reference to built your own brackets.

There was a kit, but it is different than what is on my 48. Here is a link. http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/305826/post/2407700/hl//fromsearch/1/#2407700

If the regular "knee actions" must be kept in good shape when using tubular shocks, what then is the advantage of tube shocks?

Also, to me if tube shocks are added, then the autencity of the restoration and credebility of the restorer may be questioned.i How much more was changed (or hidden) from the original?

There are competent shock rebuilders and the cost of rebuilding the shocks should be acknowledged and accepted by the restorer.

If a car can't be restored to the original specification, or as close as feasible and available, then the restoration shouldn't be called one. Io me, it is nothing more than a mere personalized vehicle. Adding tubular shocks is almost as bad as adding a "Fulton." Not as bad but almost.

That's my two cents worth on the subjiect. Not even worth the two cents.

Charlie

The stock lever shocks often wore out by 50,000 miles DUE TO BE RUN WITH NO FLUID WHICH ALSO LUBRICATES THE SHOCK INTERNALS.
The aftermarket tube shocks were just a cheaper way of trying to fix a problem. It cost over $50 to have the lever shocks replaced and front end aligned and the tube shock kit was less than $15. Often also necessary to replace other front end moving parts due tolack of lubrication and poor maintanence.
By the time the car need front shocks the value of the car was less than than a few hundred dollars and the tube shocks were a cheap patch.
In the dealership the front end gys were against the tube shocks because they said it forced the front end out f alignment.
Also if the upper arms do not get lbrication where they pivot in the shock they will become dangerous.

My original units leak fluid like a seive, so I was going to install external tube shocks.
So to keep the old unit lubricated , I was thinking of filling them with a thin lube, but not a liquid as it will just drain out again. The cost of getting the old units shipped/repaired and shipped again from here is a killer!

Yikes man :( that "kit" is crap, that top bracket is going to flex like anything :(, my install is very strong,simple and clean. She's gonna handle like a Porsche :)

Have you tested them out yet?
I've read many threads about tube shock conversions (mostly "how to") but never read a review on a fresh install. I often wish to replace our 48's shocks (stock not tube) but could never pull the trigger fearing they won't be much if any better than filling up the old worn leaky shocks we have.

Not yet ....but very soon, there will be know problems, I have converted to tube shocks before. :)