Thompsons Garage Traditional Front End

If you are unsure of what I'm referring to this is the package..
http://www.thompsonsgarage.com/pages_blocks_v3/images/links/Catalog_Page_Front_End.pdf

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=400000813551

Has anyone on here used this setup in a build? What are your thoughts on it. Was it worth the price? or would you have been better off sourcing the parts yourself?

 

I have no first hand experience with this setup, but I can tell you that it is cheaper to piece one together. A lot cheaper....

 

I bought one of these kits earlier this year and it's worked out great. I had a set of Buick drums to work with, so they knocked off part of the price. The split bones came with the bungs welded in, and they'd been pie-cut and re-welded to set the caster. Every nut and bolt was included, and everything went together easily. Steve has also helped me over the phone and through email when I couldn't figure something out. Saved a lot of time chasing parts.

 

check with vaphead, here on the HAMB, i bet he beats their price.

 

I wonder where they get the wishbones, they don't offer them seperately.

 

i'm wondering about those wishbones too....they look like original `37-`41 with the front spring hangers cut off?

 

i agree, check with vaphead...

 

Yeah, I priced it through Riley and he DEFINITELY beats it.

 

NO BRAINER! Just put togather a front end with Riley Automotive. Saved a bunch of bucks and paid for my Alliance membership.

 

ordered mine today from vaphead, eric at rileys automotive...i bought the whole kit, but went with hair pins, the narrower axle, shocks disc brake gm style and set up for vega steering...and ya, he was cheaper...nothing against these guys, hell they're out of cincy and i still have a house there, so i could of picked it up to save shipping...Eric was still cheaper..all it needs is a vega steering box and some tires/rims...totally complete........pete and jakes/super bell............

 

Fatman has new wishbones

 

I know that he uses original bones.

 

I dont have any favorites, but I have dealt with Steve Thompson and found him to be very helpful and competitive with his prices, he was always willing to source the best shipping before sending. Something alot of stores dont do.
But it is your money and you got to find the best deal you can.

 

Sourcing everything yourself may be cheaper if you know what you are doing but they have put the entire package together and save you the time in researching everything.

I do know that they stand behind their products and are great guys to deal with.

Just my $0.02.

 

Alliance....Alliance.....Alliance. Help your fellow HAMB vendors. I stored up about 40 or so, complete front ends. I now have 4 left and I'm gonna start buying some new too! I will buy and source it all from the HAMB vendors.

To all who don't like sourcing parts, you know what you need, just make a few calls. If you're worried about parts fitting together, get a tape measure or a mic out and check what you need and ask the vendor your sourcing it from. Most will get the info for you. And if they won't, SCREW'EM.......go find someone who will help you.

Mott

 

yup..check with Vaphead..he'll beat their price

 

Can't find them on his website.

 

Buy from Thompson's...they offer a turn key package and are easy to deal with and will back up their product.....or go to ten swap meets and the bay and piece a front end together, your choice.

 

VAPHEAD - RILEY AUTOMOTIVE.
Try it you'll like it.

 

i had to look for them also ...they are on page two

http://www.fatmanfab.com/catalogpage.php?page=2

 

You can always find something cheaper, if you want to spend the time. Everything I have bought from Thompsons has been great and at the price I wanted to pay. Speedway has a Quick Change in the $2000/$3000 range. I bought one at a swap meet in the $500 range, As I said, you can always find something cheaper, if you have the time. To the Thompsons, hang in there, your parts work for me. Thanks Tom

 

The Thompson's guys know their shit and stock alot of parts. If you need it, they have it. You don't have to be the first one at a swap meet to get early Ford front end parts, they are just a phone call away. I've bought alot of parts from them with no problems!!

 

Oh, and they will be at the Hunnert Car Pileup this weekend so bring your cash and save shipping!

 

Fatman's don't really look like ford wishbones.

 

[quote="A" Tub;3188796]Oh, and they will be at the Hunnert Car Pileup this weekend so bring your cash and save shipping![/quote]
Being from Ohio, I'm guessing you work for Thompson's, which is fine. But Riley is an Alliance Vendor. Why don't ya'll step up and join too?

 

I bought the majority of my front end kit for my Model A Sedan from Eric at Riley. Great guy and easy to work with and loads of information. The savings with my Alliance Membership paid for the cost of the membership in one purchase.

 

I do not work for Thompson's Garage, they are just my source for front end parts. Next time I talk to them I'll suggest it.

 

Good, we need all the Alliance members we can get. Where do they get their wishbones? Do they look just like Ford parts, and are they nice enough to chrome?

 

As one of the owners of Thompson's Garage I would like to say thanks to those who support and have done buisness with us. We feel that our complete front end kit is one of the best on the market and the most complete package with multiple options (Buick drums, Wilson Welding hubs, Finned backing plates, Lincoln drums, 39 Lincoln brakes with 2" shoes, or Hairpins) prices will vary with different opitons. Our standard complete front end kit also provides you with everything you need from hub to hub, just add wheels and you are ready to go.

Thompson's Garage Standard Complete Front end kit:
Superbell 4" drop Axle
Posies Super Slider Spring
Shackles/Perches/U-bolt kit
39-41 Spindles bushed with
kingpinset
Original Wishbones split with
bungs welded in and
two tie rod ends
Rear wishbone mounting
brackets
39 Lincoln Brakes
Ford Hubs and Drums
Bearing Kit
Sling shot upper steering arm
Deep Drop Tie Rod arms
Complete Tie Rod Kit
Spindle Nuts
F-100 Style upper
shock mounts
Bolt on lower shock mounts
Chrome tube shocks
Small Hardware to mount
steering and tie rod arms
Spindles already chamfered to
fit Lincoln backing plates

Total price: $2250.00

Total price with Hairpins: $2350.00



Riley Automotive:
DL Front end kit from $1770.00 With Hairpins, and upper steering hoop is
$2270.00 According to his web listing I believe you still have to add upper
and lower shock mounts, shocks, spindle nuts, and u-bolt kit
Totaling $2464.03 Which is why we feel that our
Complete Front End Kit is priced fairly for the market.

We our more than glad to work with each individual to provide the best kit for your project, and back our products 100%. Please call with and questions: 513-237-4428 or come talk to us in person this weekend at the Pile-Up.

Sincerly,

Kevin Thompson

 

That is all cool, but if you want the HAMB to pay much attention, just join the ALLIANCE vendors group, come up with a fair discount (like Riley, SoCal and a host of others) and continue to do the good job you do. The alliance program is the way to go here . . .