Tubular (Shock) Links
 

While I have Steve Schmauch's new book on Shock Absorbers, sadly it does not cover Tubular Links. As I am pilfering through my stash of A-18063-* Link Tubes, I am finding small differences that are causing concern for me as far as authenticity. I have always thought the easy way to spot a repro link tube was to look at the area where the grease fitting is attached. Outside of that, I have several that measure .930" (assuming these are 1931??), and quite a few that range from .9600" - .9850" in O.D., but none that go 1.000" which the J/S calls for.

And then we get into the detail differences between the little "button detail" on top of the links have minor differences. Does anyone know (have a print?) showing exactly what they are supposed to be? The pictures in the Stds. are dark, so does anyone have any pics that are clearer showing exactly what I need to have?

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Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

Brent,

I'm having some of the same issues.....this should be good!

Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

The button detail varies. Different profiles.
The thin wall 31 is a smaller O. D. I wonder if the wall thickness varies with the thick wall. Don't remember seeing any stamping, or foundry /manufacturing marks.
Bob

Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

Why is this? Different manufacturers, --or aftermarket suppliers?

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Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

I'd like to know more about the detail to look for on a repro.

BTW, I've been picking up links when I can get them and have yet to get some that match the "button" detail.

Rich

Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

Don't have an answer. Bob

Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

I bought a set of thin wall for my late 31, and I am also looking for the correct shock link plug. Also been tossing around whether to use the brass or teflon ball seat.

Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

I have a collection of them : #1, LATE 1931 W/ point ears on shocks [link has a raised flat dome with a bulls eye ,,circle with a dot in the middle]this i believe is a unrestored complete unit and tube is thin. #2 ? a large dome only with the top of tube flat and tube very thick and heavy.#3, a circle around a dome, rounded top on tube and thick and heavy # set 4 ,This set came off a unrestored early fordor 1930 but built in Nov. 1929 had a flat top dome with a STAR on the dome and middle of the road between the very heavy and thick and the late 1931 [being thin and light in weight.. thats it folks....

Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

Shall we start posting pictures to help identify all of them?

Earlier in the week I was speaking with Dan Bixby and he told me that he probably has 40 sets of shock links and he jokingly said over ½ the sets were different from each of the other sets. I'm starting to feel his pain. I need to look more closely at what I have, but I do not think I have the star on any of mine.

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Re: Tubular (Shock) Links
 

Hello All--I do have information on the Model A shock links. I believe that I have all of the varieties of both thin and thick wall. I do not have any specific dates of use for any varieties. I am not convinced that the Judging Standards will ever address that issue unless someone finds archival data. I am extremely busy with work right now, so please be patient with me. I would be glad to supply some photos, but I really do not know how to do this! Any help on this would be appreciated! I plan to write an article in one of the Model A periodicals about this, but I do not mind sharing some of this information ahead of time for those of you who are specifically interested.

Best regards,

Steve Schmauch