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Upon putting together my front suspension, both of my shock mount brackets sit this way (can't install the shocks because of this), see the attached pic.
It sits right up at the top thread and there is just too much tension to try to lock it down (will rip out the thread). I've tried using a clamp to press it down some, but very little give. I know the shock is not in there, it was when I was having trouble getting it into position when I decided to see what is going on. I had taken apart this front end and everything was together functional (not to my knowledge a reproduction bracket, at least since 93), so it seems odd it won't go back. I did have all the parts powder coated, so I'm curious if the heating process warped these brackets (no obvious signs though) I did try removing some powder coating in the contact areas to see if I can get a little more room, but this is the best it will sit in there. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
You don't state what year car you're working on so I'm just going to throw a WAG at you. Look at the picture below. Should the red circled tang be on the same side of the bracket as the other two?
This part was the same from 53-62 so year should not matter as long as it is a C1.
The part is aligned correctly with the tab opposite the stud on top of the A-Arm. Is you mount original or a reproduction? Were the same parts together before? Something is bent or out of whack. Can you take a profile pic of the mount separate, and a shot of the underside of the A-Arm without the mount?
Here is my 56.
To answer a few questions, 1954 corvette, though I understand all front suspension units are the same for the C1. Part has been on the car since 93, when I removed it, it sat as your pics did. Had all of the suspension pieces powder coated. I post some other pics when I get back later tonight. I was wondering if the powder coating process, specifically the heat, may have caused this. Just so odd...
To answer a few questions, 1954 corvette, though I understand all front suspension units are the same for the C1. Part has been on the car since 93, when I removed it, it sat as your pics did. Had all of the suspension pieces powder coated. I post some other pics when I get back later tonight. I was wondering if the powder coating process, specifically the heat, may have caused this. Just so odd...
Could be the thickness of the powder coat on top of the A-arm and bottom of the tab. Given the lever ratio a small amount say 1/32” total could make a 1/8” difference at the stud/nut. Also the power coat on top of the two side tabs and bottom of the A-arm. These parts were designed with no paint and only an Asphalt coating after assembly. It seems likely to me the powder coating itself may be the problem. You may have to remove it from both the mount and A-arm where they touch.
Mine only has about 3 threads before the nut pulls it in so it wouldn’t take much to create the problem you are having.
Could be the thickness of the powder coat on top of the A-arm and bottom of the tab. Given the lever ratio a small amount say 1/32” total could make a 1/8” difference at the stud/nut. Also the power coat on top of the two side tabs and bottom of the A-arm. These parts were designed with no paint and only an Asphalt coating after assembly. It seems likely to me the powder coating itself may be the problem. You may have to remove it from both the mount and A-arm where they touch.
Mine only has about 3 threads before the nut pulls it in so it wouldn’t take much to create the problem you are having.
Thanks for the idea, I just tried grinding off the powder coat on those contact areas and the situation did improve (showing about three threads). My first thread & 1/2 is really weak, so I want the bracket to sit much closer before clamping force is applied. I would like it to sit much closer like the picture you posted earlier. When I looked at my bracket, the profile was much like yours, not bent. I'll take off the rest of the powder coating in all contact areas and we'll see how much better it sits (hopefully like it did when I first took it apart). The powder coating is rather thick on most of the parts (the bolts for the inner lower shaft wouldn't even fit through the holes in the suspension subframe without cleaning it out).
Success! some grinding of the powder coat plus a little C-clamp work to get the bracket to seat lower before starting the thread did the trick, thanks adamsocb.
Success! some grinding of the powder coat plus a little C-clamp work to get the bracket to seat lower before starting the thread did the trick, thanks adamsocb.
Fantastic glad it worked out! You may want to touch-up the exposed bare spots to prevent rust with some paint or black under coating. Find something that is a close match to the powder coat and dab it on with a Q-tip or small art brush.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would never have guessed that a slight thickness of the power coating would have created this change in geometry on that bracket! I've been working on these front ends (49-54 pass cars-53-62 Vettes) for 50+yrs and have never seen this happen.
Same here,Tom. I would have never guessed the thickness of the powder coat would make so much difference. I would have just put a floor jack under the shock bracket and forced it to fit. Shows what I know.
Another problem solved. Our forum is the best. 
Lower Shock Mount Bracket
