Does anyone know of a source for the springs that are used at the bottom of the radiator support where it attaches to the frame on a '50 F-1? I assumed reproductions would be available but I can't find them in any of the catalogs I have. I was planning to use the ones that were on the truck when I bought it but one of them was broken when I took it apart to clean them up .

 

I used valve springs from an old engine. It was 30+ years ago but I think they were identical to the valve springs in my 226 flathead six.

 

Have you tried Classic Haulers? Classic Haulers F-1 Parts - Home Give them a call toll free, the gals there are VERY knowledgeable and helpful!

 

Neither the bolts, the springs, nor the rubber pads are repro'd. Best bet is to use carriage bolts, some valve springs, and a chunk cut from a tire tread. The downside of carriage bolts is that they aren't threaded very far. If your existing bolts can be salvaged they are better. Keep in mind the radiator saddle supports all the front end sheet metal, besides the radiator.

 

A good hardware store should have some springs. Look for the same wire diameter and length. If you have to buy some longer ones and cut them down.
Radiator springs? Can't you get those from Pixar?

 

Send a message to 51Panelman, I'm certain he'll have some spares. The rubber pads are available repro now, I got one from Classic Haulers but Dennis Carpenters have them also for $3. The bolts I replaced with carriage bolts.

 

Good morning from England. Would someone be kind enough to post an image or exploded diagram of where these are fitted to the rad support panel. Are they essential or can judicious use of polyurethane spacers/bolts do the job?
Thanks in advance for your time.

 

The red line below is meant to show where the crossmember is. The rubber pad is on the top of the crossmember, the springs are below.

I suppose urethane bushings could be used but the idea is that the springs allow the front end and radiator to be isolated from the frame, which twists and flexes a fair amount on rough ground. I think springs are a better idea.

 

That made me laugh Ross, looks like a graph of a stock market crash, right up until.... you're totally screwed

 

Thanks for taking the time to post that,very useful. We're these fitted to the 56? Looking at the online sellers, they only show a rubber pad/sandwich type affair for the 56, which may just be a case of the aforementioned 'no longer available' comments.
Thanks again all!

 

Thanks for all the responses. Now I wish I had saved some of the valve springs when I rebuilt the engine. Hopefully NAPA can sell me a couple. Normalbloke, here's a picture of the support before I removed the springs.

 

I have some of those springs laying around.....valve springs too. PM me

 

The 53-56 did not use springs, just rubber pads between the crossmember and the radiator support. Those springs must let the doghouse bounce around quite a bit?
Possibly a holdover from war production where smoothish roads were practically non existent?

 

Thanks for the info and confirmation chaps!

 

i just had a pair of these in my hand 1 hour ago if ya want them its the cost of shiping