Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-14-2020, 04:13 PM   #1
keyswitch1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 121
Default rebuilding model a shocks

Has any body rebuilt there own shocks ? What are the secrets ?? Thank you in advance
keyswitch1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2020, 04:32 PM   #2
Oldbluoval
Senior Member
 
Oldbluoval's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Signal Mtn, TN (SE TN)
Posts: 2,359
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

I used to build them......few things
A. Start with something that has a fighting chance of being a viable shock after rebuilding.
Off center shocks and those that open up full of rust won’t do it.
B. Get them apart. Often heat is required. It is good to have a heavy strap wrench and
spanner wrench for lock ring.
C. Makes mounting jig for the shock body. A lot of pressure is often required to get the
covers and lock ring off
D. Don’t mix parts. Put all the same parts back to that shock
E. When apart clean thoroughly. There are two vent plugs in the reservoir cover inside.
Tap those out clean veins and replace.
F. Assemble and fill

I’m sure this is far from complete. Getting past A &B will be a challenge!

Last edited by Oldbluoval; 10-14-2020 at 04:44 PM.
Oldbluoval is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 10-14-2020, 05:42 PM   #3
GRutter
Senior Member
 
GRutter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Mint Hill, North Carolina
Posts: 386
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

Shocks that are loose and the arms wobbly aren't good candidates for a rebuild.
As stated above.. getting them apart can be a challenge.
GRutter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2020, 06:32 PM   #4
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,367
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

1st rule is that if they look like junk, they usually are. Finding rebuildable cores is not as easy as it once was.

Find the best cores you can and send them to someone that already has tried and true tools to do the job. There are still several folks that rebuild them. They will tell you pretty quick if your cores won't cost more than Bill Stipes new ones to overhaul.

Buy new ones from Stipe or one of the parts sources that supplies them. If he isn't making any then your stuck with finding rebuildable cores.

Good Luck. You'll need it.
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2020, 10:03 PM   #5
700rpm
Senior Member
 
700rpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 5,892
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

Buy a set of Stipes. Save yourself a lot of trouble, work, and frustration.
__________________
Ray Horton, Portland, OR


As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.
700rpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2020, 08:38 AM   #6
30 Closed Cab PU
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 2,332
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
1st you need to I.D. your shocks - Are they OEM Ford supplied shocks or are they aftermarket? Most after markets are not rebuildable . The exception are Stipes shocks. There were some aftermarkets sold out of Chicago quite a few years back that did not last long, and are not rebuildable.

Then determine if the Shocks you have are rebuildable. Good advice above.

I had a box of rusty bad shape shocks, wire wheeled them off so I could ID which ones were AC or CW, sent the best 8 ones to John Holland in Ohio, no known website or email: John Holland (330-483-3896), and he was able to rebuild 4 of them. Does excellent work, currently I do not know if he is still doing them, but he knows what he is doing. Years later mine have 10,000 miles on them are working like new. If you call him he will tell you how to ID aftermarket vs good, how to determine which shocks are candidates for restoration, and other details.
30 Closed Cab PU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2020, 08:26 PM   #7
700rpm
Senior Member
 
700rpm's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 5,892
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU View Post
1st you need to I.D. your shocks - Are they OEM Ford supplied shocks or are they aftermarket? Most after markets are not rebuildable . The exception are Stipes shocks. There were some aftermarkets sold out of Chicago quite a few years back that did not last long, and are not rebuildable.

Then determine if the Shocks you have are rebuildable. Good advice above.

I had a box of rusty bad shape shocks, wire wheeled them off so I could ID which ones were AC or CW, sent the best 8 ones to John Holland in Ohio, no known website or email: John Holland (330-483-3896), and he was able to rebuild 4 of them. Does excellent work, currently I do not know if he is still doing them, but he knows what he is doing. Years later mine have 10,000 miles on them are working like new. If you call him he will tell you how to ID aftermarket vs good, how to determine which shocks are candidates for restoration, and other details.
I also have had Holland shocks. They are very well done.
__________________
Ray Horton, Portland, OR


As you go through life, keep your eye on the donut, not the hole.
700rpm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2020, 09:47 AM   #8
daren007
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Saint Cloud Mn
Posts: 745
Default Re: rebuilding model a shocks

It can be done.
daren007 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:57 PM.