The Ford Barn

Vern · 06-12-2022, 06:34 PM

This morning I decided to put the new shock links on the front of the roadster. Don't know what happened to the original ones; probably got lost when we re-did the front end and the brakes.
Anyway, the Ford Official Licensed Products, designed in U.S.A, had metric nuts & screws. I had grabbed a 7/16" socket and wrench, as the nut fit into the socket. But when I attempted to tighten it with the wrench, it kept slipping.
So I got a 10mm socket and wrench and everything went smoothly.
Go figure...

nkaminar · 06-12-2022, 06:47 PM

Two things: Where were they made? Second, you can change out the hardware. You may have to drill out the holes, or maybe not.

Bob C · 06-12-2022, 06:52 PM

All the license means is they paid Ford to use the logo and part number, it has
nothing to do with the quality or fit of the part.

Keith True · 06-12-2022, 07:02 PM

They've had metric nuts and bolts as far back as I can remember.A man with a machine shop was looking into making something for early V 8's,and when he met with the lawyer from Ford he had all nis ducks in a row.All his specs,metalurgy reports,machining plans,everything he might be asked about.The only thing Ford wanted was the signed agreement stating they were going to pay.Ford set the rate.They didn't know or care what the product was.

Richard in Anaheim CA · 06-13-2022, 12:01 AM

Those are "dog bones" named as such because that is what they look like. They were never installed on Model A's. They will work with modifications as suggested but the original shock links are the tubular shock links which do not have rubber inserts like the dog bones.

The tube links are reproduced and sold by most parts suppliers. They cost more, are more tedious to install but are the correct part and last forever. with a little grease now and then.

Richard
Anaheim CA

Synchro909 · 06-13-2022, 01:54 AM

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The hardware is dumb. It doesn't know whether it's metric or imperial.
They're all nuts and bolts anyway!
More important is the quality of the bolt.

mercman from oz · 06-13-2022, 03:26 AM

Nuts on Re-manufactured Parts for Early Fords made in Metric, instead of SAE - Vern

Hotrodfil · 06-13-2022, 05:56 AM

I've had new ones fitted with UNC bolts with metric heads, metric bolts with imperial heads, and everything in between. Normally made of some kind of cheese. I've also had the cast links crack in two.

I normally swap the bolts out for a decent quality M6 caphead anyway.

06-12-2022, 06:47 PM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,900	Re: Henry would be shocked... Two things: Where were they made? Second, you can change out the hardware. You may have to drill out the holes, or maybe not. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

06-12-2022, 06:52 PM	#3
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 8,755	Re: Henry would be shocked... All the license means is they paid Ford to use the logo and part number, it has nothing to do with the quality or fit of the part.

06-12-2022, 07:02 PM	#4
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 2,990	Re: Henry would be shocked... They've had metric nuts and bolts as far back as I can remember.A man with a machine shop was looking into making something for early V 8's,and when he met with the lawyer from Ford he had all nis ducks in a row.All his specs,metalurgy reports,machining plans,everything he might be asked about.The only thing Ford wanted was the signed agreement stating they were going to pay.Ford set the rate.They didn't know or care what the product was.

06-13-2022, 12:01 AM	#5
Richard in Anaheim CA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Anaheim California Posts: 551	Re: Henry would be shocked... Those are "dog bones" named as such because that is what they look like. They were never installed on Model A's. They will work with modifications as suggested but the original shock links are the tubular shock links which do not have rubber inserts like the dog bones. The tube links are reproduced and sold by most parts suppliers. They cost more, are more tedious to install but are the correct part and last forever. with a little grease now and then. Richard Anaheim CA

06-13-2022, 01:54 AM	#6
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Henry would be shocked... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The hardware is dumb. It doesn't know whether it's metric or imperial. They're all nuts and bolts anyway! More important is the quality of the bolt. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood. Last edited by Synchro909; 06-13-2022 at 05:49 AM.

06-13-2022, 03:26 AM	#7
mercman from oz Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 10,376	Re: Henry would be shocked... Nuts on Re-manufactured Parts for Early Fords made in Metric, instead of SAE - Vern

06-13-2022, 05:56 AM	#8
Hotrodfil Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Norfolk UK Posts: 214	Re: Henry would be shocked... I've had new ones fitted with UNC bolts with metric heads, metric bolts with imperial heads, and everything in between. Normally made of some kind of cheese. I've also had the cast links crack in two. I normally swap the bolts out for a decent quality M6 caphead anyway.