drrotor

Hi! Has anyone come up with modern shock absorber interchangeability for 1937? This is referring to a 5A (beam front axle, specifically Coupe Express). They look like ordinary modern shocks, not the lever-action type. A loop on each end in the rear, and a stud and a loop style on the front end. A 1968 Dodge Polara rear shock looks about right for the rear, but just guessing looking at a picture. And still looking for a match for the front. Keeping in mind the compressed and extended lengths (I haven’t measured mine or the Dodge ones yet). Hoping one of y’all has done the research and can give a modern part number or even better, a year and model that fits (like “1968 Dodge Polara” for example)

Don- Did the Chevy wheel bearings fit the Stude spindle? Excellent pictures, by the way… but I’m not clear on what “casting “ you cut or ground to fit… also wondering if your solution would work here, seeing as how I’m working with a beam axle which has a very different spindle.

I called Jim Turner to ask him about this swap. He happened to have a 2R-5 front axle handy, and measured the height of the casting at the king pin. He says it’s approximately 2.84”. So now I just have to tear apart my C.E. Axle and measure it to compare.

Ok I just went out and measured my ‘37 NOS king pins… they are the same diameter: .8025. So that’s good news! And the length is roughly 5-1/2” long. If I’m understanding this all correctly, they appear interchangeable with the early’50’s ones… so I’m also guessing the early ‘50’s truck spindles might just fit. Now I just need a pair of 2R-5 spindles to test fit. John?

Yes I’ve used Mark (Clawson Classic Instruments) several times. He is quite good. Well, I have some parts on the way to me now, so I’ll see what I get and go from there. Thanks all!

You all are great. John, thanks for going to that effort. But looking back at my previous post, I realize my question wasn’t clear. Gary— you thought I was talking about using car spindles from the ‘50’s. No, what I’m asking is whether spindles from an early ‘50’s 1/2 ton truck with beam axle would interchange (or rather, FIT) onto the ‘37 beam axle. Because Turner does make a disc kit to fit early’50’s trucks…

Well I have another thought. Has anyone tried to put 1940’s spindles on a ‘37 front axle? If they would interchange (or are they the same?), then Turner Brakes disc brake kits would bolt right on. I have new king pin rebuild kits for my ‘37… could they be used or modified to make the newer spindles fit?

Nice work! I don’t know if the beam axle and the Planar suspension share the same hub… anyone?

In restoring my Coupe Express (beam axle 5A), I’m staying with the beautiful original Artillery Wheels- 16”. I’m upgrading the rear end to an early 50’s 2R5 1/2 ton Dana 44 rear end with better 4.09 gearing, which also has somewhat better brakes than the ‘37 did. But the front brakes… just not up to freeway driving. Any good suggestions on improving or replacing them? Do newer Stude truck brakes bolt on? And if so, what year/model specifically? I could be ok with going to disc brakes if: -they fit the ‘37 wheels -are a straight-forward swap not requiring a machine shop (although I’m willing to listen) this is not a hot-rod— (even though it’s got a bored out 245 and a 5-speed), and I want it to appear relatively stock. Recommendations requested especially from someone who’s actually done it. Thanks guys!

I heard tell that someone has or had reproduced ‘37 Speedometer faces. True? Any still available? Any other gauges/ faces/restored or NOS gauges available? Contact info appreciated. Thanks! I should have mentioned here that I’m looking for help for my Coupe Express gauges.

Will consider any condition. Also need hubcap for same. Can you help?

Nate— my ‘37C.E. Has no heater. I would like to find and install one. Any chance you could post a few pictures so I could see a correct one, and how it’s mounted? —Kenny

Hi Guys— I just posted this transmission on eBay for sale... I’m unsure if my fitment description is accurate- can anyone verify? Go put a bid on it if you can use it. Thanks! https://www.ebay.com/itm/254868121996

John— You’re welcome to borrow these for a short time to copy if you like...

Thanks guys!

When I recently purchased my unrestored ‘37, I was inventorying the random parts floating around in the cab, and found these. Can anyone identify them? Do they even go to this truck? And if they don’t... are they rare and worth millions of dollars? And if so, does anyone want to buy them?

5x5 then. OK, thanks guys.

Well, Coker Tire as well as some others, offer new 15” Artillery wheels, as narrow as 4” as I recall. So I may go that way if I can’t find 16’s. Still searching...

Gary— I need one, too. Are these still available?

As far as I know, the ‘37 C.E. Has 5x4.75 bolt pattern... that ‘35 wheel sure looks like 2 of mine... are you sure it’s 5x5? Were they changing bolt patterns from ‘35 to ‘36?

I have a spare pair of ‘37 pedals...

I’m restoring a ‘37 Coupe Express, and I’m in need of wheels. Since the truck has a side-mount spare, I need 5. I have 4 of the standard disc wheels (rusty but possibly saveable), and I have 4 artillery wheels, which I prefer. Problem is, I actually have 2 pairs of artillery wheels, and I don’t believe either pair is correct. Now I’m not a complete Slave to Originality, but I would at least like all 5 to match, and have matching hub caps. All mine are 16” wheels, which is good... Here are photos of the 2 styles I have. I need 3 more of either style, assuming I can find hubcaps that fit them. Now I know that Studebaker International stocks hubcaps for the stock disc wheels if I end up having to go that way. But maybe some of my artillery wheels are from a ‘35? A ‘36? Or? Can anyone help me identify them? Or provide additional matching wheels?