SAAC Forum

So circling back around to the OP's question, can anyone provide some specs on the differences between the original Shelby springs and the replacement 42-437 Mustang springs i.e. difference in length of 2nd and 3rd leaf that was mentioned? Is there a difference in the length from the pin forward or the pin rearward on those 2 leafs compared to the Mustang spring? Length of the bottom flan leaf? Bob, your measurements of of 6 1/4 to 6 9/16 would put them in the ballpark of the 6 1/4 spec'd from Virginia and the 6 5/8 spec'd from NPD/Eaton on the 42-437 Improved Handling spring . Most of the vendors with the Improved Handling 42-437 springs quote a rate of 114 lbs. One vendor has quoted the rate on the 42-503 at 152 lbs. I called General about the 42-503 to see what the spring rate was on that spring but person was having computer issue at the time so I didn't get a number from them. I am calling them back later today to get an update. If the 152lb number is correct, that would definetley be a stiffer spring which could have something to do with the lower free arch number.

Just an F.Y.I. If anyone is thinking about ordering a set of wheels from Craig, don't think about it too long. I had been trying to decide between buying the repops and getting mine redone. A couple of years ago the pops were I believe $500 or $550 and restore was $400. This past May I contacted him for an update and now $600 and $450 and like a dummy I hesitated. The other day I figured let's spend some leftover Christmas cash and now $750 and $500. and he doesn't know how long he can hold that price. Needless to say my order went in while I was on the phone with him. A number of factors are affecting this but 1 thing for certain, they aren't going to come down so............

Has anyone tried the Daniel Carpenter kits?

Pretty much what I was thinking, thanks!

Is it a safe assumption these are from an aftermarket sway bar?

Hey Bob, sub-standard is being kind but then I realize that the person that did that work quite possibly did this to the car also unless it was the owner before him who did the damage. As I have said before, I'm pretty sure it was a 1320 dancer early in it's life.

Were the original lower pieces smooth white on the back side or is this a replacement panel?

Has anyone used the above mentioned item from Branda and if so what's your thoughts on fit and finish?
Thanks!

So if my Eminger & Marti report show a January 8 build date, is that when it was built at Dearborn or AO Smith? This would be red oxide underneath?

Love the period correct tow hitch on the Mach.

In regards to Eaton, like a lot of other vendors, everyone's experience can be different. I am also a member of the Fairlane Club of America and when the club president approached them years ago about getting the correct springs built for late 63 and up cars, they were very cooperative. There was only I believe a 1/2 or 3/4" difference in were the locating pin was located (had something to do with (NHRA super stock wheelbase rules). Bob supplied a sample and they matched them exactly. Like I say, every experience is different.

Is there any historical data on who actually manufactured the springs that A O Smith installed? Were they shipped by a Ford supplier or did A O Smith contract them?

I see where he is going to buy 3 more Shelbys out of New Jersey. ! is a 69 GT350 evidently in parts and pieces and the other 2 weren't revealed.

The original probably bit the dust when the rest of the back end was done in. If anyone from back in the day (69 - 75) in the Jersey area remembers a 69 Painted metal flake red (think vw dune buggy) exterior and silver  metal flake engine & trunk area, let me know. If painted like that, I'm betting it was doing the quarter mile shuffle early in it's life.

Is the 1 that I pictured above the correct one for my 69?