Wheel spacers - Why?

[53windsor]

Working on my rusty hope disc brake conversion and I notice the front wheels have spacers. Same lug pattern, just space the wheels out an inch. Why? About all I can figure is clearance was needed for the (poorly installed) modern shock. Anyone run into this before?

Edited September 3 by 53windsor
Tried to flip pic.

[Plymouthy Adams]

is this a ripped up chassis frame outer metal that I am seeing...this is very much not what one would hope to see on any chassis......hope I am misinterpreting the picture here

 

the spacers could well be for the wheels now in use if not stock.....many later wheels are more of a positive offset and thus need spacers to prevent inner wheel trying to share space with other components.  Even wheels say to 1989 often require a minimum of 1/4-3/8 spacer to keep the bulge of the modern radial wheel from scrubbing the inner tie rod end.  

 

are you running stock poverty caps with the retaining clips on the wheels

 

Edited September 3 by Plymouthy Adams

[53windsor]

That is definitely a hole ripped in the frame. It's on the list of things to fix.

Car has what looks like original steel wheels with chrome spider style caps. I'm basing this on the existence of the clearance holes for the rivets and the peg to hold the wheel while you start the bolts.

[Ivan_B]

Are you planning to put the original shocks back to where they belong? Adjusting the wheel one inch out is way too much 😮

[Plymouthy Adams]

that style shock mount was designed to sit on the top of the frame rail and should have been notched for that.....you may need to source some new mounts....The shock should set a bit above the suspension.    Here is a pic of my install, F1 style mounts, backer plates each side for diplacement....

 

 

[Loren]

If you need or want a chunk of frame, I have a 50 Windsor frame I am going to scrap and I’d be happy to donate a section to help your repair.

[53windsor]

I always wondered why it was so hard to steer. An extra 2 inches of width will do that.

I'm not sure the exact route I'll take for shocks yet. I have to see how butchered the original mounts are.

Loren, I will take you up on the offer of a piece of frame.

[Sniper]

I have a set of spacers for the front, but that is because I am running late model Mopar 17" rims.  That's so I can run P255/50R17's on all four corners.  The rears need no spacers.  I think they are 1.25", maybe 1.5", but the back spacing of the rims is more than stock too,

[53windsor]

Does anyone have a set of upper shock mount measurements?

 

MOD NOTE:  request for parts removed from post.

[Plymouthy Adams]

Older Dodge or Ford trucks, there are short and tall units at some speed shops for this purpose.  There are threads to roll your own of plate steels welded to backer plates before install to frame.  Speedway is just one company that aftermarkets these that come to mind.