R-model Shock Spacers

[66TotalPerf]

I was recently in a discussion with another SA enthusiast and on his car he'd installed approx 1/2" spacers in-between the upper shock mount and the tower bracket. I've also seen OVC Mustang's replica r-models with this mod. This enthusiast stated it was a Phil R. mod for r-models but it's something I haven't seen documented anywhere in the past.

I can see the benefit of moving up the shocks, if you've lowered the car, to restore them to their optimal operational range and prevent bottoming out but I'm more interested if it was a mod done in the 60s or something created recently.

Thanks!
Brent

[gt350hr]

   Some were/are concerned about the shock "bottoming out and damaging the valving due to the upper control arm lowering of 1". Too much additional spacer runs the shock into the hood so less than 1" is often used. Bud Moore felt the whole bracket should be raised for improved strength and made aluminum plates to go under the shock bracket itself.
    Randy

[SFM5S000]

I have two (2) each of Bud Moore spacers (copies) in both 1/4" and 3/8" I'll be selling when I return to my NY home second week next month. Along with a number of other "spring cleaning" items.
I'm keeping a set for myself and selling the second set (both thicknesses).

Cheers,
~Earl J

ps the pic is one of the sets on my car.

[SFM5S000]

I'm surprised you eagle eyed  guys didn't catch them last year when I posted a photo for a different topic.

~E

Once you paint them black they disappear.

[shelbydoug]

Well just because we didn't say anything doesn't mean we didn't notice them? Do I ask you who cut your hair?
Spacers? Bud Moore? No one told me? Sell me a set.

[kram350]

Above or below, whats the difference?

[gt350hr]

  Some feel spacing the whole bracket up is stronger and more stable.  I am one of those people.

[madeulook]

+1

[Bob Gaines]

I don't remember seeing any spacers like that used back in the day. Maybe some of the later (69/70 )TA cars ? Input on usage back in the day appreciated.  I agree that they appear to be more stable from a function standpoint.

[gt350hr]

  Bob,
    Late '68 IIRC designed by Mitch Marchi (rip) of Kar Kraft. Before that it was washers or tubular spacers as shown in the original post. Drag cars used flat plates to keep the shock from topping out under extension.
     Randy

[JD]

  Some feel spacing the whole bracket up is stronger and more stable.  I am one of those people.

Makes sense

Late '68 IIRC designed by Mitch Marchi (rip) of Kar Kraft. Before that it was washers or tubular spacers as shown in the original post. Drag cars used flat plates to keep the shock from topping out under extension.
     Randy

Randy, you're an incredible well on knowledge!

[Bob Gaines]

  Bob,
    Late '68 IIRC designed by Mitch Marchi (rip) of Kar Kraft. Before that it was washers or tubular spacers as shown in the original post. Drag cars used flat plates to keep the shock from topping out under extension.
     Randy

I had only seen the washers or tubular spacers on vintage B production or TA comp cars is why my question.

[66TotalPerf]

Thanks for the historical and functional clarifications everyone!

[shelbydoug]

Considering this wasn't done on '65 GT350's with both the Konis and the lowered mounting points, how significant is this modification?

[gt350hr]

   Doug,
     The spacer does NOTHING except keep the shock from bottoming out ( possible valve or seal damage) on a lowered front end.