Replacement shocks -31

[sphooch]

HI GUYS ;cannot seem to get any good response to original replacement shocks , I'm reading in the LES ANDREWS book about replacement tube shocks . installation looks OK I know most rebuilds leak after a short time so I'm thinking of buying a set . any and all comments are appreciated . Please let me know pros and cons . THANKS THE HOOCH

[machine girl]

I like the tube shocks, no leaks and they do work.

[CarlG]

I am using a kit made by Ken Davis. The shocks themselves are Monroe tube type shocks and I think they are great.

[Rock Hornbuckle]

I have tube shocks on the '31 for touring, they work just fine, and are much easier to replace when they get weak. I have originals on the '29.

[sidhartha]

I've been looking at this issue for some time. I've found several setups for modern shocks. Most require drilling the front axle or rear crossmember. I like Ken Davis's set but it requires drilling the front axle. Snyder's has a set that clamps to the front and drills the rear crossmember. I do not want to drill any thing on my car. I've found a set that clamps to the front axle and bolts to the rear fenders existing holes, but I'm not sure if that is a good mounting spot. The shocks are gas charged as well. Might make a stiff ride, me thinks. One option is to buy extended front perches and a shock mount that bolts to them from Pete and Jakes.

[CarlG]

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Originally Posted by sidhartha

... I like Ken Davis's set but it requires drilling the front axle ...

One of my friends opted to weld the bracket to the front axle, another friend fabricated a clamp to hold it on. The rears are strictly bolt-on. No holes or welding required.

[sphooch]

thanks for the response, looks like I'll give Berts a call . Only 2 holes to drill one on each side of the rear cross member . Later if I feel the need to I'll weld it closed. Thanks again it helps one make up there mind. THE HOOCH

[Nodakwalleyer]

I seen on Ebay a gentleman from Wisconsin is selling an all bolt on kit for 330.00 with shocks, 220.00 with brackets and hardware only, not sure if any good or not. Item # is 150871510555.

[Al Bass]

no drilling, cutting, or welding

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I personally think Armstrong lever shocks are a MUCH superior alternative to original shocks because they are tunable and they still look somewhat era correct. Plus, they are a direct bolt on without needing to weld brackets onto the frame or axles!! And, to me tube shocks just look out of place.

While I realize that most people that have tube shocks likely have never had the opportunity to experience correctly operating original shocks and therefore base their opinion on just the tube shock operation but for the ones who have experienced both types, we can tell you that tube shocks seem to make most Model-As ride very harsh as they are typically manufactured for applications where the vehicle is 1,000 heavier than the A. Again, a lever shock manufactured for a car of similar weight that has the ability to adjust the ride quality thru viscosity of the fluid and with a needle orifice makes much better sense to me.

.

[Kahuna]

I agree with Brent. I use the Armstrong/Lovejoy shocks on the front of my 32 B. The original application was rear shocks from an MGB-GT. Paid $ 100 a piece, guaranteed for life. I used tube shocks in the rear.

[Marvin/TN]

I don't know about for a Model A but Chassis Engineering has a bolt on shock kit for 46 era cars. It does take a non stock spring shackle which has a stud for the lower mount. No holes to drill and no welding. I don't have a catalogue handy and can't get out to the shop to look. Can't wear my prothesis for a few more days and my shop is 300' from the house.

[RHD]

I still feel you can't go past a good set of original shocks, for ride and appearance.

[Duffy1]

There was a thread not to long ago comparing the ride stiffnes of different tube shocks when installed on model A.

[sidhartha]

Originally Posted by Nodakwalleyer

I seen on Ebay a gentleman from Wisconsin is selling an all bolt on kit for 330.00 with shocks, 220.00 with brackets and hardware only, not sure if any good or not. Item # is 150871510555.

Yes, that is the set that that mounts to the fender bolts. I question if that is a good place to mount them.

[SteveB31]

Where does one buy Armstrong lever shocks?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by SteveB31

Where does one buy Armstrong lever shocks?

One buys them anywhere that Armstrong shocks are sold!


Ok, sorry Mr. Becker!! Both sets I have purchased have come off of eBay as NOS ones seem to be listed all the time. Since I am not up on British car parts suppliers, a quick Google search revealed several suppliers of remanufactured ones for around $70 a piece with a $30 core charge.

It also appears that when you have them rebuilt, you can specify the valving you prefer. The thing that really makes these neat is the mounting bolt spacing is the same as a stock Model-A. The downside is someone must be able to fabricate a shock link. It isn't hard to do but might be out of the abilities of some who need to be able to 'plug & play' straight out of the box.

[Bick in New Zealand]

You are up very late!

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by Bick in New Zealand

You are up very late!

Actually, I get up at 5:30 AM and just happened to respond at 10 minutes til 6:00 AM. You're the one that is up late!!

[Bick in New Zealand]

Only 10:15pm here you are still catching up. Have a great day!