12-03-2015, 11:09 AM | #1 |
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Shocks
I m curious to know how many folks are driving their Model A's without any shock absorbers on them.
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John from Kapowsin T&A Guy |
12-03-2015, 11:32 AM | #2 |
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Re: Shocks
You really need to get more details to fully understand the problem.
No shock A's are sort of ok if the springs are dead. Good springs that are well lubricated at a nightmare to drive above 25 MPH without shocks. If they have shocks are they working shocks and how close do they work to factory specs? A lot of shocks may not be working up to factory specs or just not working. I now know what I thought was a good working shock may not be working up to factory specs. I rigs something close to the KRW tester and found what I thought might be an ok shock failing the test by quite a bit. |
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12-03-2015, 11:42 AM | #3 | |
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Re: Shocks
When I bought my PU, it had friction shocks. All looked good. However, on closer inspection, 2 of them were totally inoperative, and the other 2 weren't much help at all. It was a real treat to keep things straight when you hit a rough piece of roadway.
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 Last edited by CarlG; 12-03-2015 at 09:37 PM. Reason: Add info |
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12-03-2015, 11:52 AM | #4 |
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Re: Shocks
I drove a 31 Roadster around for years without any shocks. It was a bit "bouncey", and then I put a nice set of good working shocks on it and WOW what a difference. It felt so much more stable, tight, cornered better, steered better, even upon letting the clutch out to go just felt different. I really didn't realize until then just how important and how much difference a good working set of shocks will make.
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12-03-2015, 12:03 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Shocks
Quote:
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John from Kapowsin T&A Guy |
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12-03-2015, 08:53 PM | #6 |
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Re: Shocks
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I installed Ken Davis's modern tube-style shocks. Excellent design, easy to install, and affordable. It does require drilling one hole in each side of the front axle. http://www.kendavismodela.com/Shocks.html Ken
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12-03-2015, 09:25 PM | #7 |
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Re: Shocks
I'm like a kid in the candy store..
John Holland just shipped 4 rebuilt shocks back to me. I sent him 3 old ones that were kinda ratty and one good one. He called to inform me that 3 of the 4 could not be rebuilt, I sorta knew that. He rebuilt the good one and charged me $95 a piece for the remaining three rebuilds he had in stock. The total bill, with shipping was $363. 4 new ones are about a Grand.. I've talked to John twice during this process, and I'm quite impressed with him. Will report back when I receive these. Larry
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Good enough.. Isn't. Last edited by Larry Jenkins; 12-03-2015 at 09:30 PM. |
12-03-2015, 09:48 PM | #8 |
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Re: Shocks
I havn't got any. But it's next on the list.
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12-03-2015, 09:51 PM | #9 |
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Re: Shocks
The term, "DEATH ROLL" was coined by a fellow whose best FRIEND was killed in a Model A, with NO SHOCKS!
Bill W.
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12-03-2015, 09:58 PM | #10 |
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Re: Shocks
Drove my station wagon for years with worn out shocks. After installing rebuilt ones from Robert Paul I will recommend expending the funds. It makes the car handle better. I like to keep things original rather than go modern.
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12-03-2015, 11:30 PM | #11 |
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Re: Shocks
Mine are bad enough to be non existent.
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12-03-2015, 11:48 PM | #12 |
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Re: Shocks
If you are not into what is correct then fit tube shocks, you will not believe the difference in the car you love as I did.
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12-04-2015, 02:01 AM | #13 |
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Re: Shocks
Mine didn't have any shocks on it when I purchased it. After many years, I finally bit the bullet. About 2 months ago I put 4 new hydraulic shocks on it. All I can say is WOW! Yes it does ride smoother but the handling is where the big improvement is. It no longer jumps all over the road, corners so much better and is a lot more fun to drive. It is one of the best improvements that you'll ever make on your car!
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12-04-2015, 02:11 AM | #14 |
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Re: Shocks
How does one contact John Holland or Robert Paul? I would like to have my shocks rebuilt. I'm interested in having somebody restore my shocks that has a solid reputation among MAFCA members for their work. Thanks for recommendations.
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12-04-2015, 02:19 AM | #15 |
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Re: Shocks
Here is what I found:
Robert Paul 34175 Truckton Road Yoder, CO 80864 719-478-5102 John Holland 7208 Westlaw Road Valley City, OH 44280 330-483-3896 |
12-04-2015, 08:56 AM | #16 |
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Re: Shocks
Don't assume just because you have shocks - that you actually have shocks! Mine were doing nothing, with no resistance in either direction! They will be replace with Stipe shocks already on hand.
Last edited by pgerhardt; 12-06-2015 at 08:29 AM. |
12-04-2015, 08:56 AM | #17 |
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Re: Shocks
And remember, tube shocks are NOT "MODERN", they've been around a LOOOONG TIME!
Bill W.
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12-04-2015, 12:02 PM | #18 |
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Re: Shocks
I can take a hint!
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John from Kapowsin T&A Guy |
12-04-2015, 01:06 PM | #19 | |
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Re: Shocks
Quote:
For safety, I would recommend anyone who drives with roads with potholes to install shocks --hit a bump and your car will handle it, not go off on a tangent...
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12-04-2015, 02:57 PM | #20 |
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Re: Shocks
I bought a 28 Roadster pickup a few years ago that had no shocks .
When you hit a bump in the road the whole car would leap off the ground and land in the oncoming lane !!! Pretty Scary!!! I soon put some shocks on it John Cochran |
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