Projects We build 'em twice, to make 'em nice...

So, today I spent all afternoon figuring out the Panhard bar for the front of my '34 ch***is. Cut the tubing, mocked up a couple ways, figured out how to not interfere with the drag link and tie rod, made patterns for the bracket on the frame. Welded the little bracket up, and then, probably because the frame is upside down and I'm an idiot, laid the bracket on the p***enger frame rail, burned it in, and then drilled a 1/2" hole in the drivers side of the axle web for the other side. B***-akwards.
On the plus side, the spring jounces (with just the main leaf in for ride height mock up) as it should, nothing binds, so, I get to cut the bracket off with the Sawzall, make a new one to mount on the CORRECT side of the frame, and drill another hole in the axle. I guess I'll weld the one I drilled full on the wrong side, while I'm at it... Sheesh.

 

It happens lol

 

Look at the bright side, at least you caught it now and didn't face a weird handling car and not know why.....or you could think of it as practice!!

 

Welcome to my world...

 

You can turn the axle around and swap spindles

 

Done it many times myself Brian, learned to start drinking after I finished cutting and welding.

 

Its nice to know I'm not the olny guy that does this kind of stuff. It still ****s for you, but it makes me feel better. Thank You!
Gene

 

I agree with gene and the rest of you , sorry for your practice

 

The bright spot in my day. Of course, I wouldn't have thought of that!

 

If it was easy, every car on the road would be a Hot Rod or Custom. As hard as it may sound, the average "car guy" would have tossed in the towel and posted a Craigslist ad. P***ion is what keeps the REAL guys ahead of the rest. Lesson learned, move forward.

 

Measuring involves literally standing back and visually evaluating your plan. Yes, we all shoot ourselves in the foot at times.

Sent from my SM-G930V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

OK, I'll bite. Since the axle is symetrical, the spring is symetrical, and the frame is symetrical, why does it make a difference which way the panhard rod goes on?

 

I always work alone in my shop, but when something like that springs up, I still have to look around to make sure no one noticed. LOL

 

I have thought of that too. The whole point is simply to prevent the steering from shoving the axle on the shackles when the wheels are turned, so I kinda wonder that myself. Anybody else thought that too? It's a lot easier to swap anchor points now is all.

 

I don't think it would make a difference which side it's on. It is a cross brace to hold the axle, so it should be ok either side, as long at it doesn't bind.

 

I think the longer that bar is, the less movement from side to side as the suspension goes up and down. I ran my 31 without a front bar for a while and 99% of the time its fine but once in awhile on a curvy road it would swing in the shackles and talk about a Holy **** moment!

 

It doesn't bind, so perhaps I'll just leave it. I AM happy with the Houdaille shock install, I need to get some 5/8" LH rod to connct the heim joints.

 

From all I have learned it has to be connected to the ch***is on the steering box side and the axle on the other side, otherwise it will reach a point where there is a bind and will induce bump steer. I think this rule only applies to cross steer setups though. Also front and rear Panhard must be mounted the same way .

 

^^^^ explain same way.

 

In my industry these type deals were referred to as Engineering Improvements, it happens to Everyone, the only person that never F's up is the guy that Never does anything.

 

Preaching to the choir here my friend.

 

Just make it a right hand drive car and you'll be all set.

 

Since it's setting on just the main leaf for now, I can push the axle down by hand until it almost bottoms out, a couple inches. No binding.

 

if there was a lot of travel, I can see where the arc of the panhard bar could compete with the arc of the drag link, causing a bind, but it's got to be minor.
If you are worried, move the bracket and flip the axle.

 

[emoji106]

 

If the frame bracket is welded to the left frame rail in front then the frame bracket should be welded to the left frame rail for the rear bar also.

 

I've pondered that question. When we built our 32 several years back, I couldn't seem to find any definitive information on which side works best. We mounted the frame bracket to the left frame rail. Seems to work and never bump steer. Don't like the way the car wanders left to right at speed but I'm thinking that's a function of those goofy bias ply tires. Wide whites, big and littles and all that. They look the part yes indeed but the handling is ****py.....................

 

We got along just fine for several decades on bias ply tires, before radials became available. Do you think the handling issue is because of deficiencies in the repro tires available today?

 

I don't have that problem ,I start out by putting it on backwards ,then I'm really surprised when it turns out right.

 

Hahaha!