Repro Hydraulic Shocks Mystery

[brum1]

Anyone know who manufactures the repro hydraulic shocks sold by Sacrament Vintage Ford? These are prefilled & sealed. I have asked the sales folks and they do not seem to know or won't devulge

[J Franklin]

Monroe?

[rally 1]

Bill Stipe

[SteveB31]

None of the above. Those shocks are made by M&S Hydraulics in Oregon. Stipe makes good shocks. Monroe makes NO Model A Shocks.

[Mitch//pa]

m&s

http://www.antiqueshockabsorbers.com/new.asp

[Bill Stipe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Stipe Machines are refillable and use standard seals off the shelf, They do not compare to M&S shocks, quality wise and performance wise. I made my shocks fully adjustable like the originals and serviceable if every needed. I have an unbelievable amount of time designing these to make them with the least amount on manufacturing possible and feel they are the best on the market.
I also know that one of each was purchased and is being disassembled, measured and copyed as we speak and will probaby try and make them in China.
This makes me very upset but I don't think their smart enough to pull it off! Time will tell.
Thanks Bill Stipe

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by SteveB31

None of the above. Those shocks are made by M&S Hydraulics in Oregon. Stipe makes good shocks. Monroe makes NO Model A Shocks.

NO, the best shocks period, and period correct!

[brum1]

Thanks Guys-good to know before we spend the $$-I have read the past threads on the M&S shocks-they appear questionable from a longevity/quality pespective

Bill, thanks for posting your info-good to see the attention to detail, my guess is they will last my lifetime

[oldmanandakid]

How much does a set of Stipe shocks cost?

[Patrick L.]

quote, How much does a set of Stipe shocks cost? end quote

You can call Bill Stipe or Brattons to see if they have any left. Mac's wanted a lot more money for them.
They were more than the junk 'oil-less' units, but, they work good.

[Brian29]

Stipes shocks are beautifully made. I hated to paint them. Heavy too. I am mounting them this weekend if the NY weather cooperates. They seem to operate great, but I have to drive them to tell for sure. I paid about 1200 from brattons for everything, links etc. My 29 had no shocks. If you figure it, Stipes are about 200-300 more. Great reputation and well made product, why buy other junk. I would get them soon 'cause I think he stopped making them. As of 1 month ago, he had some sets left.

[Flathead]

There won't be any more Stipe shocks made?

[Randy in Illinois]

years ago, in the '70s, I bought a set of shocks by Pete in chicago. does anyone know if these are refillable? or if the stock seals can be used? I have a leaker.

[darrylkmc]

Randy in Illinois

Pete's shocks are not sealed and are refillable, although the hard parts are not available you can obtain the three "O" rings at any hydraulic repair shop.

I have two sets that I purchased from Antique Auto and Parts by Pete in the early 80's. One set has bases made from brass, the other is cast iron.

Here is a link to a previous thread the shocks that you have.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57601

Darryl in Fairbanks

[John LaVoy]

Bill Stipe won't be making any more of his shocks. He sold the equipment when he was getting ready to relocate.

[Bill Stipe]

John, I have had several people ask if I could make shocks again and my response is I could but at what cost? The machine I was making them on was very expensive and cost per hour was naturally more. I have several other pieces of equipment that could make them If I were to make fixtures and buy some other tooling for the machines I have but at what cost? If I take this gamble and the cost is more I stand a chance to be stuck with them, If I can keep the cost the same how many will I sell, enough to pay for my new fixtures and tooling? That is always the gamble and I have to laugh a little when I meet someone that says to me "If I knew I could succeed I would go in business for my self " Well that the gamble you have to take and sometimes it can be very bitter.

[Richard Redmond]

I've been living in Texas for the past 2 months and accumulating various Model A bits to take back to England, mainly to convert from Uruguayan home made hydraulic brakes to Ford mechanical.

I bought two of Bill Stipe's Model A shock absorbers last week and, as stated by others, they are beautiful externally - and I'm sure - internally. The outer covers are engraved ( is that the right term ? ) Houdaille and look period. The original thin, locking ring with 3 punched holes is not used but this is a very minor point as far as I'm concerned.

Looking forward to fitting them with tubular links.

Specialty Motor Cams Plymouth WI 920 457 2895

[Al 29Tudor]

Originally Posted by Randy in Illinois

years ago, in the '70s, I bought a set of shocks by Pete in Chicago. does anyone know if these are refillable? or if the stock seals can be used? I have a leaker.

Randy, My 29 Tudor came with a set of those shocks from Chicago and they are not high quality shocks. The guts are not close tolerance machinings.
I have all four opened up and two of them were each missing a check ball that someone is replacing for me. One was cross threaded but someone was able to open it for me and I was able to restart it straight so it will be OK.
They are re-fillable and each has four o-rings. Two of the o-rings I got from the rebuild kit from Brattons and two more from the local ACE hardware.
I will begin to reassemble them in a week or so and can give you report when they are back on the car.
Al

[29ModelA]

Are there any quality shocks out there if I can't find Stipe's? I need to replace mine, but won't be until next year most likely as a car hauler is in the plans for this year.

[leo]

Am I missing something here? Everyone is talking about new replacement shocks. What about rebuilt originals? There are at least two people who advertise in HMN all the time about rebuilt shocks, what about them?