Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
- Last Name: Wallace
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- Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
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Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
I'm in the process of removing my front axle assembly to install a correct 1913 tapered front spring and also to repair a nasty spring perch that had damage and was welded partially to the axle.
What I need help with before I proceed is this:
I've never dealt with the Hassler shocks. It seems to me looking inside the Hassler spring is that a threaded tool/rod (with a pin drilled and installed cross way in it) might be needed, along with a big washer & nut, to compress the bee hive shaped spring(?) That stuff I can make.
Is there anything I need to know ahead of time to take these apart safely? I'm familiar with the rest of the front axle, and it's issues.
Thanks in advance!
What I need help with before I proceed is this:
I've never dealt with the Hassler shocks. It seems to me looking inside the Hassler spring is that a threaded tool/rod (with a pin drilled and installed cross way in it) might be needed, along with a big washer & nut, to compress the bee hive shaped spring(?) That stuff I can make.
Is there anything I need to know ahead of time to take these apart safely? I'm familiar with the rest of the front axle, and it's issues.
Thanks in advance!
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Here's what a NOS Hassler spring compressor looks like.
Just be REAL careful - I've had success utilizing heavy zip ties once the spring is compressed to capture it - one on each side - leave them on for installation unless you need to paint !
Just be REAL careful - I've had success utilizing heavy zip ties once the spring is compressed to capture it - one on each side - leave them on for installation unless you need to paint !
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Word of warning! Be very careful. I know of a fellow who got both of his front teeth traumatically removed by a Hassler spring. He said it was very abrupt and quite painful.
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Be sure to refer to the Hassler Instructions, print copy avail from vendors if you haven't already. The key install is the transfer from right to left of the spring perches, needed to have the proper tilt of the axle due to the Hassler brackets. Safety first!
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Thanks guys for your input. Everything came apart easily with no issues or problems!
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
I'm probably going to be tarred and feathered for saying this, but I see no advantage to Hasslers, especially now that you've found a nice tapered leaf front spring. I would turn the perches around the way they are supposed to be, and put the Hasslers on a shelf!
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
I have always seen a big difference when crossing Railroad Tracks, with just the front ones on. The rear ones to me, I don't see much difference, except that the car leans more on corners. I would have rear brakes, rather then rear Hasslers.
Herm.
Herm.
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
I have always seen a big difference when crossing Railroad Tracks, with just the front ones on. The rear ones to me, I don't see much difference, except that the car leans more on corners. I would have rear brakes, rather then rear Hasslers.
Herm.
Herm.
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Well, I haven't decided whether the Hasslers are going back on or not. I'm leaning towards a yes, but I'm not 100% certain yet. They've been on the car for most of it's existence. The figure eight shackles are very worn and need to be either built up and turned in the lathe, or I look for a new pair. The Hassler bolts are REALLY worn out.
I did discover why the spring perch was welded to the axle. The threaded shank on the perch was sheared clean off! The only thing holding the shank in in was the rust. What really made me shiver was the fact that a few light taps with the hammer, and the shank came out! So virtually NOTHING was holding the home made wishbone helper in! Something told me to deal with this front axle issue sooner than later. Boy am I glad I did! The welds are "rough" ground off and thankfully the original axle will be easily saved, thanks to crappy welds that didn't stick to it too bad.
Since the perch was toast anyways, I cut it about 1/8" above the axle with my reciprocating saw, and slowly ground the rest away. Made for an easy job. The other spring perch lifted out of the axle with no tools after the nut was removed! Lucky me
I will be able to do the final visual repairs to where the axle was welded in my milling machine, and it will look like it was never messed with
The wishbone radius rod is in really great shape, but all the ball joints are worn in the steering. I guess that is to be expected....
More to come!
I did discover why the spring perch was welded to the axle. The threaded shank on the perch was sheared clean off! The only thing holding the shank in in was the rust. What really made me shiver was the fact that a few light taps with the hammer, and the shank came out! So virtually NOTHING was holding the home made wishbone helper in! Something told me to deal with this front axle issue sooner than later. Boy am I glad I did! The welds are "rough" ground off and thankfully the original axle will be easily saved, thanks to crappy welds that didn't stick to it too bad.
Since the perch was toast anyways, I cut it about 1/8" above the axle with my reciprocating saw, and slowly ground the rest away. Made for an easy job. The other spring perch lifted out of the axle with no tools after the nut was removed! Lucky me
I will be able to do the final visual repairs to where the axle was welded in my milling machine, and it will look like it was never messed with
The wishbone radius rod is in really great shape, but all the ball joints are worn in the steering. I guess that is to be expected....
More to come!
Last edited by Darren J Wallace on Thu Feb 07, 2019 7:02 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
- Last Name: Wallace
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Canadian Touring 1905 Queen model B
- Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
- Board Member Since: 2005
- Contact:
Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
More pics
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
- Last Name: Wallace
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Canadian Touring 1905 Queen model B
- Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
- Board Member Since: 2005
- Contact:
Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
more pics
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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- Posts: 4355
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:18 pm
- First Name: Steve
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- Location: Longbranch, WA
- MTFCA Number: 14972
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Good save on the axle - Lang's carries new Hassler bolts - I used to get mine from Jack Darren R.I.P. !
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Darren, when finishing off the grinding marks from your weld removal, I have found that a rat tail file is very handy. It will allow you to make/repair the radius around the boss, but equally importantly, it leaves a somewhat rough finish to your work making it look very much like the original. You can use the file to give flat surfaces the same rough appearance.
Hope this helps. Allan from down under.
Hope this helps. Allan from down under.
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Thanks Allan!
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
- Last Name: Wallace
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1913 Canadian Touring 1905 Queen model B
- Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Finally finished making the '13's front axle assembly correct & safe. Replaced welded spring perch, repaired axle where the welds hit it and carefully hid the repair as to only alter the original axle enough to make it right. Replaced front spring to correct tapered leaf spring assembly. Tightened up play in drag link, tie rod, & pitman arm. Repaired worn shackles. New king pins, and new tie rod pins, all new bushings! DONE! I'm glad I got this done sooner than later. The broken spring perch welded in to place could have been a death sentence! Glad I spotted it! It was very unnoticeable under the Hassler shocks.
I decided not to put the accessory Hassler shocks back on the car.
No, it won't win any Concours best of shows, but it's safe, and it still looks just the way Gramps would remember it, and that's all that matters to me
I decided not to put the accessory Hassler shocks back on the car.
No, it won't win any Concours best of shows, but it's safe, and it still looks just the way Gramps would remember it, and that's all that matters to me
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars
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Topic author - Posts: 343
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:43 am
- First Name: Darren
- Last Name: Wallace
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- Location: Woodstock, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Taking out and re-installing Hassler front shocks on my '13
Larry, your comment above was key to my decision
1913 Canadian Touring & 1905 Queen, both cars are 4 generation family owned cars