Cox Mercedes with an interesting front suspension modification.

NEW222 wrote:I do not know how original you want to keep the repairs that are there, but may I suggest re-doing it only with heavier gauge brass plate or similar?

Thanks Chancey, and yes, suggestions please.

I would like to keep his repair or the concept of it.  My simplistic approach is to epoxy on top of the existing plates wooden tongue depressors.  But there has to be a solution better than that.

It's interesting how he bent over the tabs on the posts which by friction keeps them in place and how the down angle does add some down flex control but not nearly enough.

Bob

My son came up with a good idea, chip off the old block.  

Coil springs.  Hmm, possibilities.  Captured coils, McPherson struts, Coil overs.    

I'm thinking captured coils cut to length and centered.  I found a couple among my stuff that might work but I need four.  Any hardware store has selections.  Play with these for awhile to ball park then buy what I need.




Going to add an alignment dowel that the PO forgot to include.  



A mess now, but out of disorder will come order. Hopefully.  Going to paint it silver, inside and out.  Always wanted a silver one like they ran at Le Mans.  No collector value here.  Maybe a May first runner after an over-spray of Top Flights Lustrekote clear.



BTW, these do have suspension travel of about 1/4 - 3/8th" front and rear.

Your son beat me to the recommendation coils...considering how you like to rebuild to factory spec...AND sometimes like to retain the original owner's ingenious modifications...this one seems to demand the later...IMO

fredvon4 wrote:Your son beat me to the recommendation coils...considering how you like to rebuild to factory spec...AND sometimes like to retain the original owner's ingenious modifications...this one seems to demand the later...IMO

It worked out pretty well Fred.

Remembered my Wolff compression spring assortment from my old gun smithing days that expanded my options.  Decided on 8/32's machine screws vise 10's and selected a spring that mostly duplicated the originals resistance which can be adjusted simply by turning the nut.




I still need to do a little fine tuning but I'm in the ball park.

Necessity the mother of invention....I think your collaborative* effort with the original owner is probably a better front suspension than factory stock

*even if he/she is/was not consulted....grin