Shock tower build mock up pics

[Noonan]

I spent a bit of time today to begin mocking up shock towers for my 1940 on air bags.   Here are some photos.  

 

I've left approximately 1/2" of shock compression left over with the suspension fully lowered on the the bump stops.   

 

If my measurements and shock selection was accurate..  I will also have about 1/2" to 1" left for shock extension once the air bag stops the suspension from drooping. 

 

I will also add limiting straps for droop sometime in the future to protect the air bag and the bolts threaded into the aluminum air bag from tearing out.  

Edited April 6 by Noonan

[andyd]

I see you are using the original 1940 Upper A Arms, I used the 1941-54 Upper A arms on my Oz 1940 Dodge........the original 1940 a arms will be quite o/k, just that I found some MOOG cast steel arms when I was building my car 50 yrs ago......also are you going to use a sway bar?.......for 1940 they use a rubber lined metal link that bolts onto the front of your lower shock mount........I made some Heim jointed pieces that attach to the lower shock bolt then bolt to a custom made 1" thick sway bar..............the car handles much better with a front sway bar tho' I must admit I have not driven any car with airbags so I might be wrong........lol......andyd  

[Noonan]

Yes Andy eventually I will sort out a sway bar I was looking at what we've got laying around the yard for dead old cars.. there's a couple options I can explore to see If a sway bar might fit.  

 

As far as the upper control arm goes for now I'm keeping everything 1940.    Maybe in the future I'll change over once the threads wear out for the upper outer bushing.    

 

I have a plan to add small gusset plates here and there on the front suspension before I get too many miles on 

[Noonan]

Here's the first shock tower welded in.    I couldn't help but imagine Walter p. Chrysler walking around the factory demanding there be more speed holes everywhere ! 😂

Edited April 6 by Noonan