Another Mystery to Solve...

[Vic Piano]

At some point in its life, our '39 LZ had tube shocks installed in place of the "knee Action" originals up front, (the rears are the originals as rebuilt by Bill Wzorek). Here is the mystery; the tube shocks have no visible markings on them, manufacture, part #, etc. I was under the apparent misconception that you could measure both the extended and compressed length of the shock and possibly come up with a serviceable replacement. However, the ever so helpful counter men at the local auto parts store just gazed in bewilderment at that suggestion... without a part number, they are helpless.

So… Am I way off base, or should I be able to take the aforementioned measurements to (lets say) a more user friendly and knowledgeable auto parts store and come up with a solution, aka, new tube shocks? I guess I could probably go the Street Rod route but I don’t want or need chrome plated shocks… Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Vic

[Clem Clement]

NO. The modern store jerks know nothing. Their computers start with the type car and VIN#. Even some of the old boys have a fight unless they remember what bin the stuff is in. Ask for a 6 volt battery ansd see what happens.

But as I reported a couple of weeks ago, I went into Pep boys(Recently sold so I afraid for M,M&J.) This grizzled old younster nearly lept over the counter when I started with "I have this flat head outside..." We could talk to each other(:>) And he ran outside to have a look and a sniff

[Dave72dt]

Yes, go to one that has kept books. In the back of most of the parts books is a spec chart. If they don't want to look or are busy, ask if you can look through it yourself. Books take a lot of time when just using the specs to go by.

[Scott H]

Try Alex Denysenko at MoneyMaker racing. Good old Ford guy that's been around for decades and knows where the bodies are buried LOL. He recently got me USA made tie rod ends and a Fel-Pro complete gasket kit for my 40 flattie for less than the mail-order catolog guys.

[email protected]

or

http://www.moneymakerracing.net/

[Seth Swoboda]

Vic, it seems as if you had the extended length or figured out the "stroke"' of the shock you would be able to find a match on replacement shocks. Perhaps just the measurement of the tube itself would be enough? Finding a good parts man willing to help is the key, as you well know. Keep trying. Maybe if you post the measurments of your shocks on the barn someone could find a replacement match for you.

Clem, you are right about the parts stores and their computers, lol! I'm surprised they didn't ask if the car had airconditioning and automatic transmission. That seems to be the questions they always ask me! No one wants to go to the trouble of getting out an actual book and looking up parts information. When I go to my local NAPA for parts they like to ask what I'm working on. I used to tell them a flathead ford, now I just shake my head and say "you've never heard of it"! HA HA!

[Ed Pitts]

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Vic, see if this is what you are looking for. It is a Monroe shock mounting and length specifications manual. Ed

[Ed Pitts]

Vic, here is another chart. Ed

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by Ed Pitts

Vic, see if this is what you are looking for. It is a Monroe shock mounting and length specifications manual. Ed

BINGO! That ought to do it.

[oldford2]

Vic,
Give Stacy Brown in Arlington Texas. He may surprise you.
John

[BillM]

There is a Monroe chart on line that gives the dimensions for their shocks:
http://www.monroe.com/assets/downloa...engthSheet.pdf

Also this thread on the HAMB has a link to the same chart that his been massaged to make it easier to wade through (It is a zip file that you can download and then open as a PDF).
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ock+dimensions

[Vic Piano]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. Now I'll start hunting down the info.

Vic

[Steve/IL]

Vic,
Google Bilstein. They specialize in gas shocks which I highly rcommend for better control on traverse spring designs like your Lincoln. They have an excellent customer service department. Just tell them the extended and compressed length and the length of the shock body. The weight of the front end of the car would also help in the selection of the correct shock. Steve

[alanwoodieman]

ask the part guys for front shocks off a 77 Chev van, been using those forever-now on my 40 wagon and my 41 truck, a friends 35 coupe, 40 coupe and a couple of 39-40 tudors- may work for you.

[OhioRick]

I installed a pair of (pete and jakes) shocks on my 37 last year.
http://www.rjays.com/Pete_Jakes/PJ_Shocks-01.htm

[Vic Piano]

I just put the shocks under the wire wheel grinder and removed what must have been at least 60+ years of paint, undercoat, grease, dirt, etc. What I found was two different shock manufacturers. One was made by Monroe, I think the part # is: K11409, the other was made by MAECO, called the EZ RIDE and the part # is: EZ11409... I think I'll call Monroe and see if I can get a pair...

Thanks again for all your help. Vic

[Vic Piano]

I did a little more research and found out that MAECO is an acronym for Monroe Automotive Equipment Company so, both shocks are Monroe. The part number is no longer listed on their web site so I guess I'll give them a call and see if I can find a replacement... Vic

[russcc]

Try Advance Auto, their computer parts list goes way back, and I have been able to get parts from them if they have it. No dumb looks, even a kid can find out if they have it or not.

[41Fordor]

NAPA 94008 bolt in to the fronts if you have the upper attachment arm and the lower bolt with the 1/2" taper for the perch bolt. Worked on my 41 if it's similar length

[rlsmith337]

Go to NAPA Store they still have books, find the oldest old man there, he will know how to use them. A lot of old car suppliers get thier parts from NAPA and mark them up a lot.

[V12Bill]

I needed exhaust gaskets for my 1939 V 8. I went to NAPA and they needed to know if it was a Delux or standard model and whether it was a 2 door or a 4 door. Yes, I know first hand that these clerks haven't got a clue.

[G.M.]

Vic the way to find the length of tube shocks is to jack the car up by the frame and measure the distance between the frame and axle mounts. Let the jack down and get 3 or 4 heavy guys to sit in the car and stand on the bumper and measure the distance again. the differance between the two measurements plus about 2"s is the stroke. The stroke has to be long enough or I have seen the shocks torn from the frame. I haven't had to hunt for shocks for 15 or 20 years but Napa had the extended and closed lengths listed. G.M.

[Vic Piano]

George, I think I found a suitable replacement for the shocks that were on the car. I'm calling Monroe later today to see if they can confirm my cross reference as their old part # is not listed any longer. Vic