jensenracing77

i am going to replace my front shocks but the flange is to wide to fit through the top of the spring tower. i tried to press the flange out of the shock but the flange is to wide to fit through the eye of the shock. the bottom of the shock is the same size. i don't have the new ones yet but if they are the same way i have no idea how to install them. i can cut these out but i still have to get new ones in.

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Allan R

Eric, according to the CSM on this car (use 1961 as a reference) you take the shock out through the lower control arm not through the top of the upper one. Have a look http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...tion_5-5.1.pdf

jensenracing77

the pictures don't show what i am doing very well. the top and bottom of the shock is the same. i was trying to go down and out the bottom but it wouldn't make much difference with the front end out of the car. it won't go either way. i was going to cut these out but i may hold off till i get new ones. i think it must just be that these shocks are not original but i for the life of me can't figure out how they got them in.

pcard

It looks like the top of the shock is wider than the internal diameter of the spring, so going down will not work. Since the bottom is the same width then going up will not work either.
Is that what you mean Eric?

jensenracing77

that's the problem. also, if i try to remove the flange and rubber from the end of the shock the flange is to wide on the ends to fit through the eye of the shock. almost like they formed the ends of the flange after it was placed in the eye of the shock. i am going to have to look at it more this week. the overtime must be affecting me
this can't be that hard.

pcard

My new front shocks came without that "flange" on the top that you are showing.

jensenracing77

i figured out how to get the new ones in but still have no idea how the old ones were installed. the new ones have much smaller flanges. i just bent/broke the old ones to get them out. i got a new set from fusick. i am thinking i may send one of them back. one of them has a very poor finish on the shaft and i don't think the seal will last very long at all.

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Octania

I can't help on the shocks, but you appear to be missing a major part of the car, sir.

:-)

Allan R

Eric, those are like looking at 2 different shocks. Probably had to have someone bend the flanges on the old ones to install, then straighten them?

jensenracing77

LOL, does this help

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Allan R

You know what Eric? Every time I see that car it just keeps getting better looking.

jensenracing77

lol, you should see it now. i had a filter problem with the blast cabinet and blew dust all over it. it has a great dust color now. also, i don't post to many pictures of the driver side. has some "patina" on the drivers side.

Allan R

No worries. That's nothing that won't come off once you install the new engine and crank it on the road.....