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05-09-2024, 07:55 AM | #1 |
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Location: Pella, IA
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New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
All 4 shocks on my '28 Sport Coupe are leaking and over winter are probably now dry. I'm wondering if it's a giant pain to rebuild these or should i buy new? I have no machining tools so if that's required I know my answer. Maybe someone rebuilds them?
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05-09-2024, 09:47 AM | #2 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
I have 1600 miles on a professionally rebuilt set of original Houdaille shocks. All four leak and often need replenishing of their fluid!
The Houdaille shock absorber has a poor seal design, and once they start leaking, the Houdaille shocks become non-functional decorations. If you use your Model "A" mostly for driving / touring, I suggest using one of the telescoping type shock kits available from dealers. I do not have any first hand experience with Stipe's reproduction of Houdaille shocks, so maybe his shocks perform better than the originals, and do not leak.
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05-09-2024, 10:25 AM | #3 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
I have two prof. rebuilds and two I did. Mine leak but the prof. ones don't-go figure. Many miles on both.
Mike
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05-09-2024, 10:30 AM | #4 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
Look up Brentwood Bob on this forum, he does shocks and they are good.
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05-09-2024, 12:04 PM | #5 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
I have had a set of Stipe repop shocks on my roadster for years. They work great and do not leak.
Bob-A "Skirts are for Women not Car Fenders" |
05-09-2024, 12:54 PM | #6 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
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I have sets forsale now. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...uilding+shocks Should give you an explaination of the rebuilding process. If you have the ability, and the time, use the search function , upper right. You will find past discussions on this topic. Kind of like what oil to use. Last edited by Brentwood Bob; 05-09-2024 at 01:01 PM. |
05-09-2024, 01:16 PM | #7 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
And if you want to learn more, steve plucker developed this reference which covers many sources on the shock, and how to rebuild same.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118682 |
05-09-2024, 04:03 PM | #8 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
some battles arent worth taking on............
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05-09-2024, 04:45 PM | #9 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
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05-10-2024, 06:53 AM | #10 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
Rebuilding the shocks yourself requires some specialized tooling and some machining. The best way to hold the shocks when opening them up is a cast concrete block with bolts cast into them. Unless you have a burning desire to do the work yourself, it is best left to the professionals.
I just put the modern tubular shocks on my Fordor. I bought them from Snyders. They work good and the current version of the brackets are strong enough. The shocks are a little stiff in the front but not so much to be a problem. The car handles well with the modern shocks. If you are not concerned about being 100% original and just want to drive the car then this is something to consider.
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A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past. |
05-10-2024, 10:49 AM | #11 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
I attempted to rebuild the shocks for my ‘30 Town Sedan and it was a humbling failure - they leaked like sieves. I sent them to Brentwood Bob and he rebuilt them for me. Smooth action, they look great. I haven’t installed them yet but so far no sign of leaks.
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05-10-2024, 11:19 AM | #12 |
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Re: New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks
I’ve rebuilt shocks in the past. Fairly successfully…not always
You have to start with something decent to end up with something decent. |
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