The Ford Barn

sconnors · 04-17-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sconnors

Saw these in the Snyder's catalog, and I need some on the front of my pickup because I only have them on the rear. Are these worth it???

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/5684

Just saw in the 2013 Snyder's catalog they have stopped selling these due to "quality issues"

roccaas · 04-16-2013, 07:16 PM

Henry thought they were a necessity!

Elcastor · 04-17-2013, 08:58 AM

Stay away from having M&S rebuilding your originals. I had nothing but leaking shocks after having mine done there. I even took some of them back to be redone, and they still leaked. No problems with Rob Paul rebuilds.

gwhite · 04-17-2013, 10:33 AM

What should I look for when trying to find 'rebuildable' shocks?

Tom Wesenberg · 04-17-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwhite

What should I look for when trying to find 'rebuildable' shocks?

Remove the fill plug and if powdered rust falls out, it's only good for a paper weight.

Also if the square shaft too much side clearance they are too worn for use.

sconnors · 04-17-2013, 04:33 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have rear shocks on mine now. Do they need to be oiled or have some kind of fluid in them? I'm new to this so excuse me if that's a stupid question.

Tom Wesenberg · 04-17-2013, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sconnors

I have rear shocks on mine now. Do they need to be oiled or have some kind of fluid in them? I'm new to this so excuse me if that's a stupid question.

It depends on the shocks, as some aren't refillable. If you have the original shocks or Bill Sipes, then they are refillable, and should be checked once in a while.

Kahuna · 04-17-2013, 11:16 PM

On my 32 B, I used MGB rear shocks, and added the ball to the lever. They are excellent shocks, rebuildable, and affordable... Plus, the mounting holes line up perfectly on a 32.
Maybe something to consider for a Model A

Hudsn47 · 04-18-2013, 08:06 AM

I'm helping a guy with his model 1929 Model A Tudor Sedan. He currently doesnt have shocks on the car. He has the shocks but they need rebuilt. Is it better to have the shocks on the car even if they need rebuilt than to have no shocks on at all? Thanks.

al's28/33 · 04-18-2013, 09:42 AM

YES put them on, it's a safety issue. Henry said so back in '27.

sidhartha · 04-18-2013, 10:23 AM

I've been looking at the shock issue for a long time. I bought my 31 Tudor without shocks. Not realizing their importance. Truth is I just assumed they were an option of the day. (I have learned so much by browsing this forum) I would like to put originals on mine but I'm on a budget and just don't think I can swing $8-1,200.00 for a complete set. I would love to have a set made by Bill but I just can't spend that much. What I've found so far is a number of kits that either require you to drill a hole in the front axle or rear cross member. Snyder's has a kit that clamps on the front axle but drills the rear cross member. Pete and Jakes has a kit that mounts the rear using the rear bumper mount holes and drills the axle. Has anyone encountered problems with these? Although I have no problem using some modern technologies on my 31 Tudor, I do have problems drilling holes in it. I though about Kahuna's idea with MGB shocks but have questions on them. MGB's are lighter than an A. Would they be sturdy enough? Cost for 4 rebuilt ones would be around $400.00 plus fabrication for the ball. In researching this style I've found that they sell conversion kits for them as well. So I'm assuming that MGB owners are having troubles with them as well. At this point I'm looking at the kit from Snyder's and perhaps fabricating a rear mount like Pete & Jakes.

Pat Martone · 04-18-2013, 10:58 AM

I do not have first hand experience, because my car came to me with existing, original-type but functioning Houdaille shocks, but I have heard good things about the Ken Davis shocks kit (http://www.kendavismodela.com) designed specifically for Model A use, and they cost about $250 for a set of 4. Ken Davis shocks are tube-type and not "correct" for judging, but fine if your car is a driver. If money is not object, I recommend the correct and quality made Bill Stipe "Houdaille" shocks; they are reknowned to be the best, correct, fully-adjustable, refillable, and beautifully machined.

sconnors · 04-18-2013, 06:13 PM

Well I broke down and ordered two front shocks from Bill Stipe today! Can't wait to get them on!!!

Banky · 04-18-2013, 07:48 PM

What about new friction shocks? Any experience with these? No one mentioned them, so I fear I'm going to get lit up for even suggesting them. So let's just say I'm posting this question for a friend

Mitch//pa · 04-18-2013, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Banky

What about new friction shocks? Any experience with these? No one mentioned them, so I fear I'm going to get lit up for even suggesting them. So let's just say I'm posting this question for a friend

tell your friend a lot of guys run them

fritznbud · 04-19-2013, 08:30 AM

I must say that i too, thought shocks were an option since my Huckster has none. And it handles just fine without them. No bouncing out of control, chuck hole tossing front end action like i'm reading here. No flex at all, turns just fine, stops as expected. The rear takes bumps very hard but the only damage i get is in my backside. You guys really had me going last night as i researched these horror stories. MAFCA member has gone 110K miles and ten years driving without shocks.

jkeesey · 04-19-2013, 08:48 AM

fritz, driving without shocks is also one of the leading factors in the illusive cracked front crssmember.

sidhartha · 04-19-2013, 09:12 AM

My Tudor handles fine with no shocks. I just feel better about having some on it. I think I'm going to go with the Ken Davis shocks. They seem to be cost effective and have good revues. Still not crazy about drilling holes in the car. As much as I would like to have some from Bill Stipe, I just can't spend that much.

CarlG · 04-19-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidhartha

My Tudor handles fine with no shocks. I just feel better about having some on it. I think I'm going to go with the Ken Davis shocks. They seem to be cost effective and have good revues. Still not crazy about drilling holes in the car. As much as I would like to have some from Bill Stipe, I just can't spend that much.

Ken Davis shocks are great. Don't require any drilling for the rears, and on the fronts if you don't want to drill the one hole (each side), one friend just welded the bracket on, another made a clamp. I just opted to drill the hole.

sidhartha · 04-19-2013, 10:15 AM

Drilling a hole in the axle has been a concern. Mostly that it will weaken it. The bolt on mounts on the rear is a definate selling point for me. I want to be able to make all original in the future if I choose.

04-16-2013, 07:16 PM	#2
roccaas Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 1,300	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? Henry thought they were a necessity! __________________ 20 years ago we had Johnny Cash, Steve Jobs, and Bob Hope. Now we have no Cash, no Jobs, and no Hope...please don't let Kevin Bacon die!

04-17-2013, 08:58 AM	#3
Elcastor Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon and Baja Mexico Posts: 617	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? Stay away from having M&S rebuilding your originals. I had nothing but leaking shocks after having mine done there. I even took some of them back to be redone, and they still leaked. No problems with Rob Paul rebuilds. __________________ Ben Purkey Mexico and the Pacific NW http://www.martin-parry.com/

04-17-2013, 10:33 AM	#4
gwhite Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Texas: Where Bob Wills is still the king! Posts: 354	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? What should I look for when trying to find 'rebuildable' shocks?

04-17-2013, 04:33 PM	#6
sconnors Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stephentown Posts: 566	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have rear shocks on mine now. Do they need to be oiled or have some kind of fluid in them? I'm new to this so excuse me if that's a stupid question.

04-17-2013, 11:16 PM	#8
Kahuna Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,617	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? On my 32 B, I used MGB rear shocks, and added the ball to the lever. They are excellent shocks, rebuildable, and affordable... Plus, the mounting holes line up perfectly on a 32. Maybe something to consider for a Model A

04-18-2013, 08:06 AM	#9
Hudsn47 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 26	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? I'm helping a guy with his model 1929 Model A Tudor Sedan. He currently doesnt have shocks on the car. He has the shocks but they need rebuilt. Is it better to have the shocks on the car even if they need rebuilt than to have no shocks on at all? Thanks.

04-18-2013, 09:42 AM	#10
al's28/33 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Redwood City, CA Posts: 1,722	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? YES put them on, it's a safety issue. Henry said so back in '27. __________________ 1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)

04-18-2013, 10:23 AM	#11
sidhartha Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 157	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? I've been looking at the shock issue for a long time. I bought my 31 Tudor without shocks. Not realizing their importance. Truth is I just assumed they were an option of the day. (I have learned so much by browsing this forum) I would like to put originals on mine but I'm on a budget and just don't think I can swing $8-1,200.00 for a complete set. I would love to have a set made by Bill but I just can't spend that much. What I've found so far is a number of kits that either require you to drill a hole in the front axle or rear cross member. Snyder's has a kit that clamps on the front axle but drills the rear cross member. Pete and Jakes has a kit that mounts the rear using the rear bumper mount holes and drills the axle. Has anyone encountered problems with these? Although I have no problem using some modern technologies on my 31 Tudor, I do have problems drilling holes in it. I though about Kahuna's idea with MGB shocks but have questions on them. MGB's are lighter than an A. Would they be sturdy enough? Cost for 4 rebuilt ones would be around $400.00 plus fabrication for the ball. In researching this style I've found that they sell conversion kits for them as well. So I'm assuming that MGB owners are having troubles with them as well. At this point I'm looking at the kit from Snyder's and perhaps fabricating a rear mount like Pete & Jakes.

04-18-2013, 10:58 AM	#12
Pat Martone Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 495	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? I do not have first hand experience, because my car came to me with existing, original-type but functioning Houdaille shocks, but I have heard good things about the Ken Davis shocks kit (http://www.kendavismodela.com) designed specifically for Model A use, and they cost about $250 for a set of 4. Ken Davis shocks are tube-type and not "correct" for judging, but fine if your car is a driver. If money is not object, I recommend the correct and quality made Bill Stipe "Houdaille" shocks; they are reknowned to be the best, correct, fully-adjustable, refillable, and beautifully machined.

04-18-2013, 06:13 PM	#13
sconnors Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Stephentown Posts: 566	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? Well I broke down and ordered two front shocks from Bill Stipe today! Can't wait to get them on!!!

04-18-2013, 07:48 PM	#14
Banky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 201	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? What about new friction shocks? Any experience with these? No one mentioned them, so I fear I'm going to get lit up for even suggesting them. So let's just say I'm posting this question for a friend

04-19-2013, 08:30 AM	#16
fritznbud Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Westminster, SC Posts: 188	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? I must say that i too, thought shocks were an option since my Huckster has none. And it handles just fine without them. No bouncing out of control, chuck hole tossing front end action like i'm reading here. No flex at all, turns just fine, stops as expected. The rear takes bumps very hard but the only damage i get is in my backside. You guys really had me going last night as i researched these horror stories. MAFCA member has gone 110K miles and ten years driving without shocks.

04-19-2013, 08:48 AM	#17
jkeesey Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Glenmoore Pa Posts: 1,644	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? fritz, driving without shocks is also one of the leading factors in the illusive cracked front crssmember.

04-19-2013, 09:12 AM	#18
sidhartha Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 157	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? My Tudor handles fine with no shocks. I just feel better about having some on it. I think I'm going to go with the Ken Davis shocks. They seem to be cost effective and have good revues. Still not crazy about drilling holes in the car. As much as I would like to have some from Bill Stipe, I just can't spend that much.

04-19-2013, 10:15 AM	#20
sidhartha Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 157	Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury? Drilling a hole in the axle has been a concern. Mostly that it will weaken it. The bolt on mounts on the rear is a definate selling point for me. I want to be able to make all original in the future if I choose.