Shocking Advice
 

29 CCPU, I have no shocks, no arms. looking for advice on what to do about this situation, this is my hobby truck 98% original . No Judges here only the wife, parts availability here in Newfoundland is basically non existent, I have researched that most popular vendors in USA have a supply of parts to pick from. I just want to drive my truck with all components functioning properly and safe. I have used all popular USA vendors during restoration with great success . But what do i need ? This is a weekend grocery getter, Thanks

Re: Shocking Advice
 

well, shocks will set you back around 1000.

so you need to decide whether or not you "really" need them or not.

if you cruise at 45mph, you can drive wo them.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

thanks Ronn , wondering about how many A'S are running around shock less. have never driven my truck so just wondering what surprise i would be in for with no shocks. thanks again.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

In my opinion get the shocks from bill stipe if he is still making them. I ran for years with shock and since I put shocks on 1 Model A I installed them on all 6 cars I own. It is definitely worth the money.
Mike

Re: Shocking Advice
 

Read my post below. I just installed Stipe shocks last weekend. I was surprised as my tube shocks (11 years old or so) were shot. Everyone has an opinion but for me....why did I wait so long. Stipe has them on the shelf ready for immediate shipment.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

I added shocks to my 29 ccpu about a year ago. I bought the complete kit from Snyders, shocks, links and arms.

I was told at the time that they had sold over 500 sets and none had come back.

I went with Snyders because their shocks have the fluid reservoir like the originals. Brattons are sealed.

Stipes did not have any shocks in stock at the time I was looking....

1000 miles later I'm still happy, no problems and no leaks.

They made quite a difference in the way the ccpu rides and handles....

Re: Shocking Advice
 

If not a "point" car and money is tight, go with the modern shocks, but not gas filled. JMO
Paul in CT

Re: Shocking Advice
 

I have to second what Paul said. Especially if you are missing a lot of the parts, a good set of original style shocks can set you back a grand. However, a good set of tubular shocks can be had for less than $300.

Personally, I can strongly recommend the set from Ken Davis. I put a set in my '30 Coupe about six years ago and absolutely love them. Admittedly, they are a little stiffer than the originals, but they work great.

http://www.kendavismodela.com/Shocks.html

Good luck,

Ken

Re: Shocking Advice
 

My guess is that there are more Model As running around without shocks than with shocks (maybe lots more). That doesn't mean they don't improve the ride, but depending on your budget, maybe not a $1,000 improvement ($1,360 CAD today).

Unless it is a long drive to get groceries, over some rough roads, at speed, I'd probably pass (but then I'm frugal ;))

Re: Shocking Advice
 

Facing the problem with two cars, I had a set of old tube shocks on My red wheeled coupe and none on my Town Sedan. I too, spent a lot of time looking in catalogs and talking to store clerks trying to match up the old numbers, Nothing, and these are tube shocks. So I decided to just settle for shocks with the same physical dimensions, stroke , etc. What I found was the Monroe Gas-matic #59017. These are a little heavy for a Mod A, that means the ride's a little hard in my Coupe, I haven't had the Town Sedan on the road yet, so they may be great on it. The pair was under $50. This shock is the type with an "Eye" at both ends and pretty easy to mount. These shocks were for the rear. However, I had to make a bracket to bolt on to the back of the backing plate. (Lefts and Rights) See the drawing in my album ,"My A". I also had to drill a 5/8 hole in the frame to mount the top of the shock. I found that this part was fairly easy to fabricate with simple tools. I used 2" X 2" X 1/4" angle Iron. Look in my album, "My A" Good Luck!
Terry

Re: Shocking Advice
 

Based on OP of 98% original I say go for the "real" shocks. Makes it handle better and will improve it to 99% original. I am glad I spent the bucks to rebuild/replace mine.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

thanks so much for replies all. i am going with original style, not only for functionality but for the authentic look, hopefully the Canadian dollar will crawl back to .75 cents soon. thanks again.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

First off, if you can drive the car over 25 MPH without it jumping all over the road with no shocks then you have a spring issue.

The springs are weak or need lubricant. If the springs are good then the car is horrible to drive above 25 MPH. It will feel like you going to fly off the road.

After you get a shock set up I would say you want to take at least the front springs off and make sure they are clean and lubricated. The other option is to buy a quality front repro spring.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

No shocks or warn out shocks make the ride ruff. New tube shocks make the ride ruff. Solution: get a pillow. Cheaper too.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

I got a set of originals rebuilt by Ron Paul. Took the tubes off my roadster and put the rebuilds on. That really improved the ride when on rough roads, I personally will never go back to tubes. I waited for years to put them on and only months to get rid of them. Too rough for a light car. Might be okay on a sedan with four people on good roads, JMHO

Re: Shocking Advice
 

Look for two sets of rear shocks off of an early 60's to early 80's british mgb car. They are direct bolt on to model A's. You will need to buy the shock balls and weld them to the arms, that's about $20. The front arms will need to be heated and bent but that's it. You should be able to get 4 shocks with arms in good working condition off of ebay for less than $100 if you look and catch a deal.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

I have a set of friction shocks that bolt onto the frame in the original mount holes (no drilling) Private message me if interested. Mike

Re: Shocking Advice
 

A year or so ago I sold 2 pairs of restored original shocks for 28 and 29 for $500 a set. John Holland who restored mine will sell a set of restored ones for less than $500. He will provide cores as well. I could tell little to no difference in ride with shocks. Those springs are so stiff!

Re: Shocking Advice
 

I will add a second to Ken Davis shocks. About 5 years on mine and they are still working great.

Re: Shocking Advice
 

This is my opinion since you know all that is available I figure you want an opinion, it should have no reflection on you or your car/truck.

If my truck was really 98% original I would not want to reduce the originality further. I would contact any of the shock rebuilders to see what they may have available. Save up for the reproductions that are available and at least have something that looks correct for the Model A.

Again my opinion.