'59, gift to my daughter

[tbird430]

That center "bolt" hole is required to mount a bolt-on hitch plate. Most guys install a "dummy" bumper bolt back in its place to hide it- after the hitch is removed...

-Jon in TX.

[V-John]

Back in June I decided to get started on replacing worn out/broken suspension and steering parts. Some photos of things I've done:












Sway bar brackets not so square:








This right side either ran over a curb or dropped down into a deep hole. Not only is the coil spring broke, but the 2 bolts that mount the upper control arm to the frame were bent. Notice how many shims are used for alignment.

[simplyconnected]

Beautiful job, John. The final product looks exactly like it came from the factory. The sign of a great restoration is when it doesn't look like it was restored.

Everyone knows spring steel cannot be welded. Sure enough, the break is right next to the weld...

There are upper "A" arm bumpers that are easier installed after the ball joints are assembled to the spindle.

Keep your bushing bolts loose until the car is sitting LEVEL so you don't hyper-extend the urethane. Don't tighten with the front wheels hanging. If you don't have a pit, put the front wheels on ramps with stands in the rear, THEN tighten the bushing bolts.

I wouldn't worry too much about alignment shims being un-equal on top but make sure you have the bottom 'A' arm shims in (according to your Shop Manual).

My '59 Galaxie requires one spindle to be loose before I can mount the sway bar because it fits inside the lower arm. Yours may be the same.

You're doing a great job, John. The handling will be much better with new bushings. - Dave

[V-John]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, Dave.

I could've paid a local street rod shop $500 to install all of my parts, but I doubt they would've spent the time to clean and paint everything. I've learned to use tools like a bushing press, and a pickle fork.

Plus, I'll be able to say, "Yep. I did it all myself".

[V-John]

Other than my alignment appointment on Friday, everything is done for steering and front suspension. I took it for a short drive to check it out and was relieved when pulling into the driveway that there were no more CLUNKS and CREAKS when turning in. None of the power steering hoses, power ram, or control valve leaked.





The next step is driving it to my dad's shop so we can drop the transmission and get that fixed. And finally, new leaf springs after that.

[Dan Leavens]

John good stuff

Plus, I'll be able to say, "Yep. I did it all myself".

[V-John]

Happy New Year to everyone!

[YellowRose]

John & Family, Happy New Year and I LOVE the pix! I like how they show up as small pix and you can click on them and see them in bigger size! I also like the sign for a license plate! Yup, she is a survivor!

[Dan Leavens]

Now that is how you toast a new year.Good stuff.

[V-John]

John & Family, Happy New Year and I LOVE the pix! I like how they show up as small pix and you can click on them and see them in bigger size! I also like the sign for a license plate! Yup, she is a survivor!

I just bought a styrofoam poster board and stencils from the Dollar Tree for the front