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04-17-2013, 04:33 PM | #41 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Stephentown
Posts: 446
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
I have rear shocks on mine now. Do they need to be oiled or have some kind of fluid in them? I'm new to this so excuse me if that's a stupid question.
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04-17-2013, 06:22 PM | #42 |
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Location: Mpls, MN
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
It depends on the shocks, as some aren't refillable. If you have the original shocks or Bill Sipes, then they are refillable, and should be checked once in a while.
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04-17-2013, 11:16 PM | #43 |
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Location: NorCal
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
On my 32 B, I used MGB rear shocks, and added the ball to the lever. They are excellent shocks, rebuildable, and affordable... Plus, the mounting holes line up perfectly on a 32.
Maybe something to consider for a Model A |
04-18-2013, 08:06 AM | #44 |
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Madison, AL
Posts: 26
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
I'm helping a guy with his model 1929 Model A Tudor Sedan. He currently doesnt have shocks on the car. He has the shocks but they need rebuilt. Is it better to have the shocks on the car even if they need rebuilt than to have no shocks on at all? Thanks.
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04-18-2013, 09:42 AM | #45 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Redwood City, CA
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
YES put them on, it's a safety issue. Henry said so back in '27.
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1928 "A" Phaeton (mid year with many early features) 1933 "V8" Closed-Cab Pickup Truck (originally a Model B, 4 Cylinder dating to May, 1933)
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04-18-2013, 09:50 AM | #46 | |
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Location: gordonville mo
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
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Quote:
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04-18-2013, 10:04 AM | #47 |
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
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04-18-2013, 10:18 AM | #48 |
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Location: Anchorage, Alaska
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
Because it won't go 70?
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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 |
04-18-2013, 10:23 AM | #49 |
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Location: Indiana
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
I've been looking at the shock issue for a long time. I bought my 31 Tudor without shocks. Not realizing their importance. Truth is I just assumed they were an option of the day. (I have learned so much by browsing this forum) I would like to put originals on mine but I'm on a budget and just don't think I can swing $8-1,200.00 for a complete set. I would love to have a set made by Bill but I just can't spend that much. What I've found so far is a number of kits that either require you to drill a hole in the front axle or rear cross member. Snyder's has a kit that clamps on the front axle but drills the rear cross member. Pete and Jakes has a kit that mounts the rear using the rear bumper mount holes and drills the axle. Has anyone encountered problems with these? Although I have no problem using some modern technologies on my 31 Tudor, I do have problems drilling holes in it. I though about Kahuna's idea with MGB shocks but have questions on them. MGB's are lighter than an A. Would they be sturdy enough? Cost for 4 rebuilt ones would be around $400.00 plus fabrication for the ball. In researching this style I've found that they sell conversion kits for them as well. So I'm assuming that MGB owners are having troubles with them as well. At this point I'm looking at the kit from Snyder's and perhaps fabricating a rear mount like Pete & Jakes.
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04-18-2013, 10:58 AM | #50 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 495
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
I do not have first hand experience, because my car came to me with existing, original-type but functioning Houdaille shocks, but I have heard good things about the Ken Davis shocks kit (http://www.kendavismodela.com) designed specifically for Model A use, and they cost about $250 for a set of 4. Ken Davis shocks are tube-type and not "correct" for judging, but fine if your car is a driver. If money is not object, I recommend the correct and quality made Bill Stipe "Houdaille" shocks; they are reknowned to be the best, correct, fully-adjustable, refillable, and beautifully machined.
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04-18-2013, 06:13 PM | #51 |
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Location: Stephentown
Posts: 446
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
Well I broke down and ordered two front shocks from Bill Stipe today! Can't wait to get them on!!!
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04-18-2013, 06:17 PM | #52 | |
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Location: NJ
Posts: 6,179
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
Quote:
Without question. When you say no shocks, do you really mean no shocks or just worn shocks. If you doubt that your car needs them, if disconnect the arms or do it now. Rock your car back and forth. It takes little effort to push it to the point where the end part of the cross members are touching the spring. Multiply this at speed and with weight and inertia. You get the picture. Your nice car won't look so nice any more. |
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04-18-2013, 07:48 PM | #53 |
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 201
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
What about new friction shocks? Any experience with these? No one mentioned them, so I fear I'm going to get lit up for even suggesting them. So let's just say I'm posting this question for a friend
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04-18-2013, 07:56 PM | #54 |
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
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04-19-2013, 08:30 AM | #55 |
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Location: Westminster, SC
Posts: 188
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
I must say that i too, thought shocks were an option since my Huckster has none. And it handles just fine without them. No bouncing out of control, chuck hole tossing front end action like i'm reading here. No flex at all, turns just fine, stops as expected. The rear takes bumps very hard but the only damage i get is in my backside. You guys really had me going last night as i researched these horror stories. MAFCA member has gone 110K miles and ten years driving without shocks.
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04-19-2013, 08:48 AM | #56 |
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Location: Glenmoore Pa
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
fritz, driving without shocks is also one of the leading factors in the illusive cracked front crssmember.
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04-19-2013, 09:12 AM | #57 |
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Location: Indiana
Posts: 157
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
My Tudor handles fine with no shocks. I just feel better about having some on it. I think I'm going to go with the Ken Davis shocks. They seem to be cost effective and have good revues. Still not crazy about drilling holes in the car. As much as I would like to have some from Bill Stipe, I just can't spend that much.
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04-19-2013, 09:51 AM | #58 | |
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
Quote:
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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 |
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04-19-2013, 10:15 AM | #59 |
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Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Indiana
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
Drilling a hole in the axle has been a concern. Mostly that it will weaken it. The bolt on mounts on the rear is a definate selling point for me. I want to be able to make all original in the future if I choose.
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04-19-2013, 10:37 AM | #60 |
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Location: new britain,ct 06052
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Re: Shocks: Necessity or luxury?
Street/hot rodders have been drilling holes in front axles for years. Two holes not going to hurt anything.
Paul in CT |
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