Converting 47 Coupe to tube shocks

[Cool Hand Lurker]

I am converting my 47 Ford Super Deluxe Sedan Coupe from lever to tube shocks. In the front end the upper mount apparently can use either the same frame holes that the old lever shocks used for mounting or two vertically aligned frame holes located maybe 6" further back. The mounts for these two locations are configured differently. The lower mount can either go in the perch bolt hole where the lever shock had connected or in a hole in the axle up near the kingpin boss if you have the later 48 axle that has the bolt hole already there.
Luckily my 47 Coupe has the 48 front axle so I can use that pre-existing hole for the lower shock mount. Aligning the shock between the upper and lower mounts is where the problem is in my project. Here are a few photos of the alternative mounting brackets.

Has anybody been through this conversion, and how did you do it?

[tracktguy]

My '48 coupe has the set that appears to be in primer on the second row. Bolts to existing holes. I have a dropped axle in my car from Magnum axle and it has the hole in the axle for the lower shock mount as did the stock '48 axle. Find a pair of those and it's an easy swap. Good luck with your project.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Thank you, tracktguy!
Is it possible to post a photo of your setup? I have looked at so many different methods in the last couple of weeks that all seem to make sense but before buying anything more I want to be sure it is the right setup. Thanks again.

[RalphM]

These are 48 NOS mounts on a 47 coupe, bottom was a shock stud drilled through axle.

[tracktguy]

The photo above RalphM posted is what it is. I will try to get picture of my set-up with the dropped axle with the shock stud. Mine isn't quite as low as Ralph's. I have the flathead with a T5 transmission attached going to a Ford 9" rear. Check back tomorrow for picture.

[Marvin/TN]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I used a Chassis Engineering Kit and a special spring shackle with a shock mounting Stud on it.

[hotrodyankee]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

I am converting my 47 Ford Super Deluxe Sedan Coupe from lever to tube shocks. In the front end the upper mount apparently can use either the same frame holes that the old lever shocks used for mounting or two vertically aligned frame holes located maybe 6" further back. The mounts for these two locations are configured differently. The lower mount can either go in the perch bolt hole where the lever shock had connected or in a hole in the axle up near the kingpin boss if you have the later 48 axle that has the bolt hole already there.
Luckily my 47 Coupe has the 48 front axle so I can use that pre-existing hole for the lower shock mount. Aligning the shock between the upper and lower mounts is where the problem is in my project. Here are a few photos of the alternative mounting brackets.

Has anybody been through this conversion, and how did you do it?

I have a NOS pair of primer ones in second row if interested. Mike.

[Kerk]

I also Have some parts similar to those shown .
Will have to look them up. kerk

[flathead48]

I used the one pictured on right and the perch hole where the old shock lever went, works great.

[deuce5wndw]

If you use the factory 48 mounts as picture in RalphM picture the inner fender aprons are different. I have a 48 with factory tube shocks if you need a picture let me know. Dale.

[TJ]

Due to the differences in the inner fender panels you may need to put a spacer between the bracket and frame to keep it away from the inner fender panel.

[tracktguy]

Here is picture of my '48 with OEM shock mounts.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Thank you everybody! You guys know everything. The photos really help.
Now the question is how much the inner fender of a 47 coupe will interfere. I will have to go out and take another look at my inner fenders. If putting a spacer between the mount and the frame will give enough clearance that seems to be the way to go. The alternative that flathead48 used is what I was going to try before I saw that my axle already had the mounting hole. I think those towers go up higher though so I will have to check the inner fender clearance again.
It is nice that a couple of you do have some useful "inventory" for this conversion too.
I will be back.

[jagnweiner]

On a related note, anyone know a good source/parts no. for the shocks themselves? I need to replace the front shocks on my '47, but have had trouble finding them with the usual suspects.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

For tubular shocks try www.rockauto.com where I got mine for around $18 each.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Tractguy, what did you use for the dogbone on your sway bar ends?

[jagnweiner]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

For tubular shocks try www.rockauto.com where I got mine for around $18 each.

Good idea. They don't show any for Mercury, but I assume the 1947 Ford would be the same.

[deuce5wndw]

Here is a picture of my 48 with factory shocks. Looks like it would take a thick spacer. I have one NOS fender apron for the tube shocks.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Originally Posted by Kerk

I also Have some parts similar to those shown .
Will have to look them up. kerk

Kerk, please take a look to see if you have any and send me a private message.
I checked with the other guy here who said he had some but an unknown third party had jumped in and bought them.

Cool Hand Lurker

[russcc]

Slightly off topic, '40 instead of later '47-'48. Has anyone drilled the '40 axle for the 1/2-20 shock stud in about the same location as the later ones shown in photos on this post. I will custom make the upper front mount from F-100 mounts. I f this has been done, it will save me some welding off bungs for the lower stud.