Shock tower replacement

[Superbee Sean]

So as my build gets to the end of the big stuff, I am kinda stuck on the Driver side shock tower replacement. I took a boat load of measurements, used 2 lasers to set the new one in place. I am happy with the fit and position, but the angle for the upper control arm bracket is kicking my butt. Made a jig and took angle measurements off the passenger side bracket, and can’t seem to get the same angle…..off anywhere from 3 to 6 degrees!!! Am I overthinking this or is that “good enough”?? Sometimes my annal Aircraft Mechanic gets the best of me…..any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[Runcharger]

Trust your measurements on this one. Critical piece and I fear how many have been changed with no regard to proper measurements.

 

[davek]

@eldubb440 might know

 

[eldubb440]

in my experience, it's only gonna fit one way........ there should be enough adjustment in the upper arm to make things good; I'd do the inner fender at the same time.

I do use a tram gauge to cross measure and double check such things

 

[eldubb440]

what car? and do you need a measurement from center shock hole to center shock hole to compare to?

 

[eldubb440]

and bolting up the K frame will locate that frame rail....... if the other rail is undisturbed

 

[eldubb440]

the angle for the upper control arm bracket is kicking my butt.

not sure I understand

bolt a pair of upper arms on it and measure to the ball joints

 

[Superbee Sean]

what car? and do you need a measurement from center shock hole to center shock hole to compare to?

It is a 68 Super Bee

 

[Superbee Sean]

the angle for the upper control arm bracket is kicking my butt.

not sure I understand

bolt a pair of upper arms on it and measure to the ball joints

I already replaced the rail on that side. K member has been test fitted and lines up nicely. Unfortunately the control arm for that side had to be cut off, so none available. Inner fender will be installed / fitted before the tower is welded in place. Who’s to say the AMD tower / brackets aren’t at a 3 degree error?

 

[eldubb440]

Who’s to say the AMD tower / brackets aren’t at a 3 degree error?

quite possible...... I wouldn't weld anything solid until I had a control arm and ball joint

 

[Superbee Sean]

what car? and do you need a measurement from center shock hole to center shock hole to compare to?

That would be welcomed….

 

[eldubb440]

That would be welcomed….

got you covered after football

 

[eldubb440]

That would be welcomed….

got you covered 3 different ways....... we're triangulating

these are from a nice, straight, undamaged front.......

34.5 center to center

then I jammed the tape into the front upper corner........ a tight 49" to center, I'd call it 49

then I jammed the tape tight under the cowl pinchweld..... 42.5"

 

[Superbee Sean]

got you covered 3 different ways....... we're triangulating

these are from a nice, straight, undamaged front.......

34.5 center to center

View attachment 1788629View attachment 1788628



then I jammed the tape into the front upper corner........ a tight 49" to center, I'd call it 49

View attachment 1788631View attachment 1788630



then I jammed the tape tight under the cowl pinchweld..... 42.5"

View attachment 1788632View attachment 1788633

got you covered 3 different ways....... we're triangulating

these are from a nice, straight, undamaged front.......

34.5 center to center

View attachment 1788629View attachment 1788628



then I jammed the tape into the front upper corner........ a tight 49" to center, I'd call it 49

View attachment 1788631View attachment 1788630



then I jammed the tape tight under the cowl pinchweld..... 42.5"

View attachment 1788632View attachment 1788633

Thank you soooo much for those measurements!!! This is the last big part of the build and it is hard to keep my patience and just take my time to do it…..right. It’s been 3 years and getting closer to paint every day!

 

[eldubb440]

gitterdone!