Stepdown Front Shocks--FIX THOSE PLATES!

RL Chilton

There are really very few design flaws in a Hudson Stepdown, but the front shock mounting plates are certainly one glaring one.  They're just too weak.  Perhaps when they were new and the metal wasn't fatigued and decades old, they MIGHT have been . . . well, let's say adequate at best.  For those that aren't aware of the plate in question, here is what they look like:

They are supposed to be flat like this:

The problem is that over time (and maybe a serious pot hole or two), the constant pounding makes these plates start to bend.  If they bend enough, they can pop off of your lower A-arm and come loose.  If you have a sudden change in your front end bouncing around, this is probably what happened.  

I replaced all the shocks on the sedan today.  Here is the plates that came out of the car:

As you can see, this one has started to bend pretty dramatically.  The second one was even worse:

When I was prepping the convertible's front end parts, I was fortunate enough ( I thought at the time) to source a set of NOS front plates.  They are so nice, no pits, looks like they were made last week.  In due course, I learned of these plates inherent weakness.  

Fortunately for us, an easy fix is available.  Wildrick Rubber Products ( http://wildrickrestorations.com/ ) or WRP, manufactures an extra thick strong plate as a replacement for the original.  See pic below:

Here is a shot of the new plate compared to the original:

No more bending or having the front shocks pop off of their mounting perch.  Anyone that drives their Hudson should utilize this easy fix when replacing your front shocks.  If originality is important, then the obvious choice would be to simply weld a plate to the backside of the original mounting plate (after straightening, of course).   If you look at the picture of the bent one, you will notice that the bend takes place in the weakest area, right across the middle of the plate.  

Well, the sedan rides so much better and I know I won't be having any more problems with those pesky original plates!  

Geoff

Important point. I had the same problem with both my Hornet and Jet, many years before new ones were available, so just made new ones myself out of heavier steel.
Geoff

BillUSN1

It would seem that the only way a shock could bend a steel plate is if it is being used as a bump stop.
Could be the springs are sagging so the shock travel is reduced?
Maybe a shorter shock would prevent it?

RL Chilton

It would seem that the only way a shock could bend a steel plate is if it is being used as a bump stop.
Could be the springs are sagging so the shock travel is reduced?
Maybe a shorter shock would prevent it?

Or newer springs?  

BillUSN1

True, but I would think some simple bump stops would prevent it either way.

RL Chilton

Not sure how you could prevent it with bump stops, Bill.  It gets bent on the extension stroke, not the compression stroke.  When the plates get bent, the concave side is facing down.  The convex,  up.  

TwinH

Guess I should consider upgrading too. Mine show no bending at all but my 49 C8 still had the 1948 dated Delco originals. I'm thinking the replacements are shorter on the extended dimension. If that is the case, then the shock becomes the bump stop instead of the bumper under the upper control arm.