FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 11:42 am
No idea on brand on spring is busted and missing 3 caps $80 shipped
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Model T Ford Club of America
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FS accessory spring for early cars
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Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2025 12:46 pm
That brand & design of front springs/shocks were pointed out as a factor in the fatal crash of Ken Meek. My apologies for bringing this up.
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 6:48 am
I do not like sabotaging people's for sale items. However, on these style shock absorbers, it is very important to keep reminding that the fronts of these should not be used on a T intended to be driven on modern roads and in modern traffic.Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑Mon Aug 25, 2025 12:46 pmThat brand & design of front springs/shocks were pointed out as a factor in the fatal crash of Ken Meek. My apologies for bringing this up.
There are solid engineering reasons WHY these are unsafe on the front axle. I think they look great as wall hangers and discussion pieces (discussions should include the explanation that they should not be used today)
A pair of rear shock absorbers of this type (depending a bit on specific manufacturer?) in good condition should be okay for use today, and I think look fantastic on a brass era T!
So I am on your side Jerry V O!
Good luck with the sale! In spite of recent as well as long past histories.
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 7:03 am
Can we have at least a brief explanation of the design dangers?
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 9:56 am
As I understand ut age and lack of maintainence cause the springs the break. Letting the center part of the shock fall down cause the car to drastically change front end geometry and causing especially the front axle to buckle under. I think on a driver car these are stupid on a display or parade car they are a cool accessory.
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:12 am
Follow up to Jerry's comment on this brand of shock absorber, haven't been able to determine mfg.
These are pics I took of the subject shocks, during a presentation after investigation, as with any accident there were multiple contributing factors identified.
IMO the design of a two-piece front shock/perch is questionable, un-like any other commercial accessory Ford front shock absorber placed on the market.
The shaft of the perch is riveted between the upper yoke of the shock body, and with probable movement or toggle of the pieces, from torsion, over-stress could develop.
In the accident, one perch shaft did part at the top of the axle.
These are pics I took of the subject shocks, during a presentation after investigation, as with any accident there were multiple contributing factors identified.
IMO the design of a two-piece front shock/perch is questionable, un-like any other commercial accessory Ford front shock absorber placed on the market.
The shaft of the perch is riveted between the upper yoke of the shock body, and with probable movement or toggle of the pieces, from torsion, over-stress could develop.
- Two piece rivet perch.jpg (81.07 KiB) Viewed 64 times
In the accident, one perch shaft did part at the top of the axle.
- fractured perch shaft.jpg (74.33 KiB) Viewed 64 times
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:42 am
These are
There isn't a brief explanation but some assumptions. The fact is that the one shock had its perch bolt snapped. No evidence if this caused the wheels to lock or it snapped as a result of the crash. The shock itself shows many issues from shackle wear
Lengthy discussion with facts, speculations & preferences. https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/2 ... 99388.html
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- Untitled.png (464.77 KiB) Viewed 44 times
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:50 am
During one of these discussions, a member of this forum mentioned having an example of this same shock absorber. His example had previously been broken in a similar fashion and was welded back together.
Re: FS accessory spring for early cars
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2025 11:55 am
Wayne,Wayne Sheldon wrote: ↑Tue Aug 26, 2025 6:48 amI do not like sabotaging people's for sale items. However, on these style shock absorbers, it is very important to keep reminding that the fronts of these should not be used on a T intended to be driven on modern roads and in modern traffic.Jerry VanOoteghem wrote: ↑Mon Aug 25, 2025 12:46 pmThat brand & design of front springs/shocks were pointed out as a factor in the fatal crash of Ken Meek. My apologies for bringing this up.
There are solid engineering reasons WHY these are unsafe on the front axle. I think they look great as wall hangers and discussion pieces (discussions should include the explanation that they should not be used today)
A pair of rear shock absorbers of this type (depending a bit on specific manufacturer?) in good condition should be okay for use today, and I think look fantastic on a brass era T!
So I am on your side Jerry V O!
Good luck with the sale! In spite of recent as well as long past histories.
I don't like it either and truly do feel bad about bringing it up. I was on the tour when Ken lost his life. I did not see the accident, but like all of us, felt extreme grief at the loss of one of our friends. Not ever wanting to revisit that, I felt compelled to mention this. Thank you for understanding. I hope that Karl understands as well.