The Ford Barn

justindwright · 01-22-2013, 09:19 AM

I was wondering if anyone has done their own modern shock conversion on a model A? I know they have the kits. Any tips on sizing/retrofiting a modern shock? I know I would definitely have to custom make brackets, but is there any info as far as travel length or what not I need to keep in mind?

V4F · 01-22-2013, 09:29 AM

i bought the bolt on kit . works great . the front is a bolt on ... the rear has to have the shock braket welded on . i have some pix somewhere . [email protected]

Richard in NC · 01-22-2013, 12:32 PM

I made my own mounts and used Ford Pinto shocks. They were cheap and they work fine. On the rear cant them in at the top, probably 20 or 30 degrees. This helps with side sway a little bit.

KGBnut · 01-22-2013, 07:44 PM

I like Ken Davis' kits. Affordable and easy to install.

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

Keep in mind, modern shocks will give you a stiffer ride...at least all the ones I've seen do.

Ken

CarlG · 01-22-2013, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGBnut

I like Ken Davis' kits. Affordable and easy to install.

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

...

Same here

Dusty · 01-22-2013, 09:51 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by KGBnut

I like Ken Davis' kits. Affordable and easy to install.

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

Keep in mind, modern shocks will give you a stiffer ride...at least all the ones I've seen do.

Ken

Yup!

Jordan · 01-22-2013, 11:59 PM

Ken knows what he's doing all on his products. Always A++++

Brendan1959 · 01-23-2013, 12:31 AM

I made some bolt on angle brackets for the rears, with longer bolts through the brake plates then used these to bolt on the shocks. I had hoped to use tube shocks on the front using the hot rod system but the spring perch with the longer bolt to fit the lower shock mount has no fitting for the mechanicle brake.

marc hildebrant · 01-23-2013, 10:43 AM

Drilling into the front axel just doesn't feel right....

Is there an alternative ?

Marc

CarlG · 01-23-2013, 11:03 AM

Weld it, clamp it.

1931 flamingo · 01-23-2013, 12:25 PM

Marc: Hot rodders have been drilling front axles for decades with no ill effects. You can also purchase new with holes already drilled.

FWIW

Paul in CT

Pete · 01-23-2013, 03:36 PM

A lot of shock conversion kits on the market have been figured out (not engineered) by what is available in the PASSENGER CAR parts field.
Most of the available shocks were intended for use on cars that are significantly heavier than a model A. This results in a "stiff" or "harsh" ride and nothing can be done about it other than add sprung weight to the car.
We have been doing tube shock conversions on hot rods since the 50's using race car shocks. They come in many different lengths so they can almost always be fitted in the available travel space. They come in an almost unlimited variety of compression and rebound rates. The more expensive ones are available in adjustable from the cockpit types.
They have a BIG advantage in that they mount "body up" to reduce unsprung weight. A consideration almost no hot rodder takes into account.
Another big consideration is, all the specs are available for you to read before you buy them. NO specs are available to the general public on OEM shocks.

Here is a URL to a site where there is a lot of general info on shocks. It is interspersed with other info so you have to sort out what you want.
http://hyperracing.com/pages/home/te...hock_tech.aspx

Dusty · 01-23-2013, 08:20 PM

I see Ken's shocks are now $250.00

I ordered mine about 3 months ago at $195.00 It feels good to get a deal from time to time

BTW still have not mounted the rears yet, but I will get that done before spring along with an oil change and lube job. Other than that I be ready to go

Hiding from the cold in WV
dusty

Barney · 01-24-2013, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc hildebrant

Drilling into the front axel just doesn't feel right....

Is there an alternative ?

Marc

I see it that way. Drill a hole in the axle, I would not. The modern shock kit A18014 from Snyders has a clamp. Does not require drilling the axle. Is the better way I think.
Greetings Barney

Domino · 01-24-2013, 08:12 AM

Purchased and installed Ken's kit 7-8 years ago on a 30 townsedan. No problems with the front axle. I happy with everything about them.

01-22-2013, 09:19 AM	#1
justindwright Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Allen Park, Michigan Posts: 13	modern shock conversion 29 tudor A I was wondering if anyone has done their own modern shock conversion on a model A? I know they have the kits. Any tips on sizing/retrofiting a modern shock? I know I would definitely have to custom make brackets, but is there any info as far as travel length or what not I need to keep in mind?

01-22-2013, 09:29 AM	#2
V4F Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ca. Posts: 2,522	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A i bought the bolt on kit . works great . the front is a bolt on ... the rear has to have the shock braket welded on . i have some pix somewhere . [email protected] __________________ V4f

01-22-2013, 12:32 PM	#3
Richard in NC Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 89	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A I made my own mounts and used Ford Pinto shocks. They were cheap and they work fine. On the rear cant them in at the top, probably 20 or 30 degrees. This helps with side sway a little bit.

01-22-2013, 07:44 PM	#4
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A I like Ken Davis' kits. Affordable and easy to install. http://www.kendavismodela.com/Shocks.html Keep in mind, modern shocks will give you a stiffer ride...at least all the ones I've seen do. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

01-22-2013, 11:59 PM	#7
Jordan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ft. Worth Posts: 1,006	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A Ken knows what he's doing all on his products. Always A++++ __________________ Cowtown A's

01-23-2013, 10:43 AM	#9
marc hildebrant Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 1,128	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A Drilling into the front axel just doesn't feel right.... Is there an alternative ? Marc

01-23-2013, 11:03 AM	#10
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A Weld it, clamp it. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

01-23-2013, 12:25 PM	#11
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,389	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A Marc: Hot rodders have been drilling front axles for decades with no ill effects. You can also purchase new with holes already drilled. FWIW Paul in CT

01-23-2013, 03:36 PM	#12
Pete Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wa. Posts: 5,406	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A A lot of shock conversion kits on the market have been figured out (not engineered) by what is available in the PASSENGER CAR parts field. Most of the available shocks were intended for use on cars that are significantly heavier than a model A. This results in a "stiff" or "harsh" ride and nothing can be done about it other than add sprung weight to the car. We have been doing tube shock conversions on hot rods since the 50's using race car shocks. They come in many different lengths so they can almost always be fitted in the available travel space. They come in an almost unlimited variety of compression and rebound rates. The more expensive ones are available in adjustable from the cockpit types. They have a BIG advantage in that they mount "body up" to reduce unsprung weight. A consideration almost no hot rodder takes into account. Another big consideration is, all the specs are available for you to read before you buy them. NO specs are available to the general public on OEM shocks. Here is a URL to a site where there is a lot of general info on shocks. It is interspersed with other info so you have to sort out what you want. http://hyperracing.com/pages/home/te...hock_tech.aspx

01-23-2013, 08:20 PM	#13
Dusty Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lincolnton, Georgia Posts: 723	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A I see Ken's shocks are now $250.00 I ordered mine about 3 months ago at $195.00 It feels good to get a deal from time to time BTW still have not mounted the rears yet, but I will get that done before spring along with an oil change and lube job. Other than that I be ready to go Hiding from the cold in WV dusty

01-24-2013, 08:12 AM	#15
Domino Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 412	Re: modern shock conversion 29 tudor A Purchased and installed Ken's kit 7-8 years ago on a 30 townsedan. No problems with the front axle. I happy with everything about them.

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