I have a 29 Roadster pick-up in build, similar to the one in the picture shown. The rear end is an 8 inch Ford, with triangulated suspension, and coil over shocks. Currently Speedway has 200 pound, 225 pound, and 275 pound rated shocks in stock. The10 gallon fuel tank, and maybe the battery will be in the bed. Does any one have a suggestion as to the weight/strength of the coil overs needed? Old guy, cancer patient. More than likely last hot rod....Thanks
Don't know the answer I'm afraid but the angle of the coilover will have an effect on the spring rate and will need to be known by those in a position to give an opinion. Best of luck with build and enjoy to the max!! Chris
I run 125’s in my 32 roadster. I use QA1 s they are adjustable in rate and height. I put them at just the softest setting.
Here's a cheaper alternative. Coilovers off an '88 Subaru station wagon. $9 each at Pick-N-Pull. I can't remember but I think they're rated at about 150psi. This is in my T roadster. Mounted off an 8" Ford rear and carrying a 13 gallon Geo Metro fuel tank and battery. Not too springy, just about right!
When I was doing a customer chassis for an A pickup I used Aldan coilovers with 180 lb springs and the shocks mounted at about 25 degrees.
I called QA1 after weighing my 26 RPU, total weight with me,fuel and a passenger. Then I. also weighed it with the front wheels on the scale and then weighed it with the rear wheels on the scale. Called the QA1 tech support line and spoke to them with the weight numbers. They recommended their 18 way adjustable (rebound dampening) coil overs with 150 pound springs. They nailed it, I had TCI non adjustable All American coil overs with 250 pound springs to begin with and they were way too much and it rode terrible. Now my RPU rides great.
Thanks for your responses. I was reluctant to share photos of my build, because it has an off topic motor. I'm old, and long legged. The logic of the motor choice was because of the size of it. (Size matters) As we know there is very limited leg room in Roadster Pick-Ups. So, I decided to reverse the firewall 4 inches, and install a 4.3 Chevy V6. They are about 260 cubic inches, are 4 1/2 inches shorter than a V8, and with a cam, and some head work should make 175 horse or so. Here's some pictures. Before, and after the ruination of the farm truck. View attachment 5831413 View attachment 5831413
Good for you - keep on truckin'! Personal experience from a 6'1" guy. I had a 28 RPU some years back, and found that 180 pound coilovers were were perfect. Unlike you, however I suffered through a lot of cramped miles before trading for a 32 2dr. As has been said, don't go over those 200 pounders, and a little less if you can find them
Nothing wrong with a 4.3. I did enough customer model A chassis with a 4.3 that I invested in a plastic block which made it easier to set up the motor & trans. Your firewall extension is very innovative and make your driving time more comfortable.
Just call it a 265. 4.3 l x 61 cu in / l is 262.3 cu in. And 265s were around in 1954. And if you rebuild it, and it needs to be bored, well the displacement goes up. Even better... Well that's what I'd do. Get an older set of heads with the perimeter valve cover bolts, modify a set of repop Corvette valve covers to fit and really fake people out
I ordered 160 pound coil over shocks from Speedway, and they were spongey soft. I ended up buying 200 pound replacement springs, and so far they appear to support the weight of the car much better.. We'll see. Thanks
Looks like you started with a great body. I like your idea on the firewall. I'm going the other way (extending the quarters) as I'm going to run a 283. I have a 4.3 as well but realized I would never be happy with the sound of it myself. I've sat in several of different configurations, a stretch of some sort is necessary for comfort for me as I'm 6'2".
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