Re: Model A Shocks.
Houde Engineering Co. experimented with all sorts of fluids for their rotary dampers. They likely favored the use of glycerin due to it's properties when affected by cold and hot weather extremes. They also used mineral oils and castor oil during different periods trying to find a fluid that would be consistent and reliable for the normal life span of their damper designs. They generally stuck with glycerin for most of the types history. They used them on Ford vehicles till late in 1947 when Ford started to venture toward the tubular shock absorber.
Houde Engineering made them for low cost to Ford and they were considered throw away items back in the day. Other companies made similar units for aftermarket and replacement sales. Henry Ford always worried about strikes with his supplier companies so he seldom only had one source for any item used on his products.
Condition is everything in how these units function so many years after they were produced. If there is too much clearance in the wing shaft to housing fit then they need higher viscosity oils in order to continue providing a reliable function. There likely aren't that many units out there in stock form that will still function well using glycerin. They are difficult to repair for wear. It is likely less expensive to fabricate new parts rather than try to repair badly worn ones.
|