Bouncey Car Needs Shocks

[Bob Bidonde]

My 190A bounces too much according to my back seat driver, so I need to put better shocks on the car or she will not go on any more adventures in our 190A. The car currently has rebuilt original shocks in all four corners.

I am reluctant to drill any holes in the car, especially in the front axle. On the basis of your experience, what modern shock kit do you recommend I buy for my 190A?

[alexiskai]

If you're handy with basic fabrication, you could definitely adapt Ken Davis's shock set so that it clamps to the axle rather than bolting through it – either by making an all-new lower bracket or by modifying the one he provides.

[CarlG]

X2 on what Alex said.

See his thread https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=270370

[Curtis in MA]

Bratton's sells modern no drill shocks.

[jak]

here is the link to the shocks Curtis is referencing.
https://www.brattons.com/no-drilling...nting-kit.html

or if you just want a set to do the rear.
https://www.brattons.com/no-drilling...nting-kit.html

[Tacoma Bob]

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Are your current shocks not able to adjust???

[Aretino]

Bill Stipe makes great shocks.

[Tacoma Bob]

Originally Posted by Aretino

Bill Stipe makes great shocks.

Love mine! Threw my "modern Tube shocks away.

[WHN]

Why not rebuild or replace your stock shocks.

Maybe more money but there are number of really good reasons to stick with what came with the car.

Back in the day, people even than questioned why he (Henry) put that expensive of a shock on the Model A. Enjoy.

[Kurt in NJ]

Have you checked the fluid levels in the shocks?
I pre set mine with long arm and weight like in the service bulletins---

[Patrick L.]

I have the same question as Bob. Make sure the shocks are full of the proper fluid and adjust them a bit tighter. Check to see how far out the adjuster is now set and go from there.
My preference is to stay with the rotary shocks.

[Gastrap]

I put a set of Snyder's reproduction lever types on my Tudor, and really like them. I don't like the look of tube shocks on the A.

[37 Coupe]

Are the Stipe shocks comparative in price to the ones Snyders and Brattons sell?

[Bob Bidonde]

I am concerned that the clamp-on shock brackets for the front axle will work loose and become a maintenance nuisance.

[arnhemmer]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

Are the Stipe shocks comparative in price to the ones Snyders and Brattons sell?

They are a little pricier but well worth it.

[burner31]

Ken Davis, front and back on mine...very happy with them

[old31]

So, with a bouncy car with stipe shocks would you make them tighter or looser to get rid of the bounce?

[arnhemmer]

The Stipe shocks come adjusted pretty close to where you want them. Just a little adjustment in or out is needed depending on how your car rides.

[Jeff P. / MN]

Bob Bidonde.....I purchased my bolt on shocks from Brattons 20 years and many miles ago.
Never a problem, never come loose.

[37 Coupe]

Originally Posted by arnhemmer

The Stipe shocks come adjusted pretty close to where you want them. Just a little adjustment in or out is needed depending on how your car rides.

I guess I am going to have to call them to get on a list or something which with my hearing I hate the telephone anymore. Nobody seems to know the actual cost or money down?

[Patrick L.]

$1240/4 as per Stipe's web site.

[37 Coupe]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

$1240/4 as per Stipe's web site.

Okay Thank You.I have gone to the web site several times and click on shocks nothing happens on anything.

[arnhemmer]

Originally Posted by 37 Coupe

Okat Thank You.I have gone to the web site several times and click on shocks nothing happens on anything.

Call them direct as they are out of stock on their website. 920-467-2895. They will put you on a waiting list if you do decide to go with them.

[Bob Bidonde]

Thanks all for your advice. I am going to adjust the rear Houdaille shocks to stiffen the ride, and adjust the front Houdaille shocks to soften the ride.


Should the Houdaille shocks fail to make the car comfy for my backseat driver, then I will convert to modern telescoping shocks. My 190A needs to be roadworthy for the trip to the 2020 New England Meet in Newry, Maine.

[Ranchero50]

I wouldn't convert until trying different weight oils versus the glycerin originally used. A good anti foaming oil should work well in that application. Often folks are too quick to throw parts at a problem before seeing if the original stuff is actually working correctly.

[Purdy Swoft]

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Can you change the oil in the shocks without taking them apart ?

[Bob Bidonde]

Hi Purdy,
Yes you can, but the Houdaille shocks must come off of the car to change the fluid. To get the fluid out, cycle the shock upside down with the drain plug out.

[Purdy Swoft]

Thanks Bob !!! Cycle the Shock upside down with the drain plug out is good info !!!!!!!

[oldbird55]

Ken Davis won't fit on a Vickey rear. No Room for top bracket

[fredski53]

Oldbird55, I have a Victoria and before I bought my modern shocks, I called and talked to Ken Davis and I was told that his shocks will fit the Victoria! I've installed the front ones, love ❤️ them! Haven't put the rear on yet. Where did you get your information?

[alexiskai]

Originally Posted by fredski53

I was told that his shocks will fit the Victoria! I've installed the front ones, love ❤️ them! Haven't put the rear on yet.

See my post here with pictures of the rear shock installation. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showp...15&postcount=2

[oldbird55]

Let us know how you make out