FWIW- Back in 1963 I worked for Chuck Tanko at Fresno Speed Center. We sold what we called Bell Drop axles that were made in Fresno by Ron Asmajian(SP). I was told that he made them as a side job and had them plated at California Chrome there in Fresno. When we sold an axle we would call Ron and he would bring us another one. My model A roadster that I sold in 1967 had one when I bought it. It seems like quite a coinsidence that Ewing started Superbell in Fresno also. Dick Baskin probably knows the real story.
I have 4 total now, 2 each of the different styles, one of them has the little perch "wedges" remove and holes welded shut, luckily i was able to take a punch and knock out the slugs that filled the hole and then had a buddy make some new "wedges" using the one from my axle that has fallen off as a pattern. i did a post a while ago on ford barn and had weighed axle for comarison over the "Weight saving argument" here the weights v8-60 weight, 17.5 pounds, 33-36 axle weight, 20.5 32 heavy axle weight, 23 lbs heres on i picked up a year ago one of our big swaps, it was $100 and spindles on it, they were welded on the ends but i very carefully removed them and didnt hurt either the spindles or axles, so that was nice, i took and started smoothing it out, hopefully it will be plated someday.
I may have said this before but "IF" I had one to copy there would be repops for the guys who just cant swing or find originals. They could be had with or without bungs for those who desire a coil sprung front axle. But the "IF" is the operative word here I suppose. LOL I have always loved these axles, too bad there are not more of them around for me to appreciate.
I don't think I posted this before, but a recent profile on Magnum Suspension in the April 2015 Street Scene indicated they are planning on making "smiley" tube axle like these. I certainly welcome the idea - the sooner the better - and have just started to pester them about it. Gary
I think the Tube Axle is the "Newest" part on our Race Car. My Granddaughter hijackedmy car! by 29 Speedster posted Jul 4, 2013 at 5:33 PM image by 29 Speedster posted Oct 7, 2013 at 8:08 PM
Fellas, I have a couple questions. I have a v8-60 tube axle I was planning to put under my 32 chassis. I figured I would run it in a spring over configuration that I have seen done in tons of photos before. Since the perches are spaced wider, what spring do I run?
Story time. Ran a want ad in Early Ford Times for a 60 tube axle. Received a reply 1 hour away. He has a 1940 chassis for $500.00. Tube axle a little pitted. Had a 42-48 rear end. 3.54 gear. R&P was JUNK. Frame was really nice. I gave it away for $200.00. The good 3.5" wheels were gone. Sold the side shifter for $150.00. I used the bones on a race car. I'm keeping the axle and spindles. Sold some of the brake parts. I have 2 NOS axles bought years ago. Eat your heart out.
I have a Super Bell [I think] tube axle with only 1" drop. Don't know why they bothered making it. It sure looks like a 60 axle, but the distance from the perch bolt to the king pin is greater. That's a good thing for tighter turns. It does look a lot like a 60 axle. The outer ends are even a little oval. Can't find the picture right now.
I know I should keep my mouth shut "BUT I WON'T" Do you people "who can't find a V860 tube axle or a Steel T body ever go to a swap or go on ebay? I see them at big swaps almost every time I go. The reason they aren't made aftermarket is because they are still out there. Okay 4 or 5 hundred dollars. I paid $80 in the '80s then another $100 for chrome. Okay that is off my chest.
I am working on a axle that has a smile. But it would be round tube and not that sexy Oval-ish ford shape
Joined: Jan 23, 2008 Posts: 728 Profile Page 28dreyer Member from Minnesota New Here's mine made from 4130 about 8 years ago. Marked off every 1/2" and bent in a tube bender mounted on a metal shaper to get identical strokes.
I LEFT MY LAST TUBE AXLE IN A 40 DELIVERY 42 YEARS AGO AND REGRETTED SELLING IT SO THIS ONE STAYS IN A SAFE PLACE!!! ENABLERS CC
Question for all: For years I have heard people comment on tube axles, and even read it in a mag, IIRC it was Rod & Custom. They all said you shouldn't run tube axles with either split stock radius rrods or hairpins, only with stock V wishbone or 4 bar. Anybody run a tube axle for any length of time on a hot rod frequently driven on public, less than perfect roads without trouble? I have hairpins and an I beam axle that is chromed and starting to peel. If I remove it someday, I'd rather replace with a chromed tube than a rechrome on the current I beam.
@dirty old man there's been lots of cars over the years to have run them without issue. Here's a good thread discussing it.
Dirty In theory it doesn't work. In reality I and others have been running them for years with no trouble. When I visited the Indy 500 museum I saw old race cars with the same front suspension as I am running. If you are building a "rock crawler" where the suspension moved a foot or more I would say no don't do it but on an old hot rod where it only moves a couple of inches it's fine. Gary
I remember conversation about Ford's tube axle from the late '50's. I also remember guys complaining about them being weak, apt to snap, so I never searched out one because of that apparent flaw. The complaint stemmed from the axle being designed for lighter weight, namely the 60 HP flattie. Just wondering what others think.
Most , myself included , tbucket guys run tube axle/split bones/hairpins on the street , I've logged 40K miles I know 1 guy pushing 200K , I think it must work !!! dave
Guys, this is an appreciation thread for V8 60 axles, there are hundreds of other threads where one can discuss tube axles and their attachments.
^^^^^^^^^^^^,Well sho nuff! How are you gonna appreciate them iff'n you don't know if they will work or break on your car. HUH????
The Jalopy Journal
