VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 air shocks? 38 coupe

The old coupe sets pretty level. If I go to air adjustable shocks will it change the way it sets at all? The auto store said it might raise the rear of the car slightly.Anyone have air shocks?

Steve, How did you convert to rear tube shocks. DO you have change out the rear springs to make this conversion. I can't see the scuff markes on the fenders from here on the west coast. Looks very nice. Grant

The orginal owner put them on using homemade brackets. It still has the orginal arm shocks on the car too. The shocks need to be replaced,the shock number isn't even listed anymore.

Steve has an earlier post with a photo of the shocks. Chassis Engineering has a kit for adding modern shocks on the back but it is only for a replacement rearend. One could probably make an adapter for the lower end. For the upper end they have a frame that is attached to the car frame. It extends up and across inside the hump. The shocks mount on an angle.

Steve,

Are you going to have the air shocks where they will have a selector so you can choose to hike up one side of the rear end like a dog taking a leak? I think that would be really cool. You would need to have an outside sun visor to complete the picture, though.

Kidding aside, why do you want to mess with the rear shocks? Is the ride bad, bouncy, stiff or what? It's a 38, how can you tell?

Really looks like sits pretty good to me. I recommend you leave it's shocks alone.

If you want something to do, chrome the differential cover or put in chromed valve stems, or take that exhaust manifold off and have it coated with a nice grey. Just some suggestions. Grin.
Charlie

BTW: Others may have some suggestions, as well.

I think the shocks are worn out. The shock number isn't even available anymore . They're more than likely about 30 years old.




It's hard to beat GREEN...grin

Pull one of your shocks and measure the extended and compressed length, eye center to eye center. Take those measurements with you to the parts store. They should be able to match you up to a current part number. Monroe used to have an on line site where you could look up shocks using those numbers but the link no longer works.

Steve,
In the ftuure plasee wran me wehn yuo're giong to sohw toshe vdieos aagin. I Ddin't qiuet garb the braf bag in tmie and now I've had to tkae a sowher and cahnge coltehs and it ani't eevn Stuartady yet.
Charlie

BTW: I hvane't sartted to celan up the kyebaord yet so my tpying is knid of mssey. Srroy. Waht a hrul wehn i saw that Fluotn.

You need to open your mind to accepting different kinds of automobile collecting. How many types of cars are you really interested in?

1. Streetrods
2. Antiques
3. Customs
4. Ratrods
5. Lowriders
6. Muscle cars
7. Imports
8. Saltflats
9. Drag Cars
10.Round Track
11.Drifting
12.Autocross
13.Military
14.Baja
14.Electric
15.Hybred
16.Hillclimbing
17.Demolition
18.Dirt track
19.NASCAR
20.Cruisers


If you didn't pick more than ONE type of car....You may have a problem !!

Now I gotta get me two more headlights too...

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.

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

Email me directly if convenient: cisgww@aol.com

Thanks to Tim O. for sending me pics of the rear tube shocks on his 38 Canadian. In looking at my parts books, rear tube shocks were only used in 1938 when Kick Shackles where used. I see no Kick Shackle listing/usage for 1937. When the 1938/12 car was equipped with a Kick Shackle job, 2 Delco #1431S shocks were used.

Can anyone tell me the specs for the Delco #1431S tube shock...such as compressed and uncompressed length? Not having any luck via Google.

The pics sent by Tim O. shows that the top mounting bracket looks near identical to the triangular bottom shock-link bracket held on by the leaf spring U bolts for my 37 GC pickup. All I need to do it bore the holes to the correct diameter and a bit farther apart and then add the proper shock mounting bolt. Easy to make from scratch too. For the bottom attachment to the leaf spring (in front of the axle, not behind like the Chassis Engineering kit) I may order the brackets I have seen for 47 and later pickups. If they don't work, another easy fabrication is in order. Google images for "47 truck shock mount". I think The Filling Station sells them, among others.

Does anyone know if the U bolt pattern is the same for 37 car and 47 pickup? Sorry, haven't had time to check that out.

If you have the answers I seek, feel free to email me directly at cisgww@aol.com