Pickup shocks

[4118truck]

Just purchased a 31 CCPU from a fellow that did a good job of restoring it. I noticed that is leaning to the left quite a bit, and the front spring looks tired. In reading Les Andrews book, he makes reference to shocks. In checking the truck has none. I realize cars had some items that trucks did not. Were shocks one or am I missing some. If missing, what is the recommendation?

Thanks from a newbie.

[Patrick L.]

I believe yours should have and did come with them. My recommendation, since it appears there are no more from Bill Stipe, use good/rebuilt originals.

[CarlG]

I had pretty much the same situation on my 31 CCPU, except the shocks were there, just didn't work. But to answer your first question, the light pickups had shocks just like the passenger cars did. I opted to go with Ken Davis tube type shocks and have been very happy with them. If your goal is fine point, then this type won't fill the bill, do like Patrick suggests.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Contrary to what many think, the shocks have nothing to do with a car leaning to one side, unless they are rusted stuck solid and pulling or pushing one side up or down.

There are several threads on spring checking, so you can try the search feature in the upper right. It doesn't always find what one is looking for though.

[QGolden]

Shocks (or lack of them) should not contribute to it leaning while sitting in the driveway? They dont support the weight of the car. If it is leaning it has to be a spring related issue.

[4118truck]

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Thanks for the replies so far. I didn't mean to imply that the shocks were the cause of the lean. More that the question of how important the shocks were. I only intend to drive this occasionally and probably less than 10 miles at a time. Sounds like there may be those that don't find the value of shocks on a pickup. I guess what I am understanding is that shocks are mote for comfort then support?

[verdirick]

Check the springs and make sure you don't have a sheared center bolt. I'm told by the previous generation of owners that this was a common problem 65 to 75 years ago.. Just a thought

[juke joint johnny]

I had an A pickup with no shocks on it once .
Every time you hit a bump in the road it would leap off the ground and change lanes !
Not for the faint hearted !!! If you are going to drive it best to put some on .

Unfortunately some "Restorers" leave them off as they think they are expensive , But the Life you save may be your own!!

John Cochran

[QGolden]

I am from the camp that believes in shocks. The provide a measure of safety and control that cost less than fixing a fender. If it is just a driver then get the bolt on tube shock kit. They work well and do not permanently alter the car.

[4118truck]

This is only intended to be a driver. Do you have more info on the tube kit? Perhaps a link?

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by 4118truck

This is only intended to be a driver. Do you have more info on the tube kit? Perhaps a link?

It's the drivers that deserve the best.
Cars that don't get driven don't care about shocks.

BTW, there are some tube shock kits that don't require drilling extra holes, but I'm not sure which one. I plan to use rebuilt originals, but don't have any on my car right now. As mentioned, when you hit a bump (especially on turns) the rear likes to skip over a few inches.

[CAPE A]

Does any one have feedback on the new repros the ones that look tike the orig.
I know the are expensive also.

[Brentwood Bob]

Go to robert paul. in yoder, colorado. he will supply good, reconditioned originals and correct to your pickup. You have to call him the old fashioned way. He will return your phone call. 719-478-5102. His ad is in the Model A News.
Bob

[rob63mess]

I also just put a set of Ken Davis shocks on my 31 pickup. Couldn't be more happy. Drives like a dream....big difference. Easy install and he is easy to work with.

[Wick]

I put shocks on the front of my 30 ccpu and now it will handle a curve,before you had to slow down and hold on.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by 4118truck

This is only intended to be a driver. Do you have more info on the tube kit? Perhaps a link?

From the sticky at the top of the page:

RESTORATION SHOPS and SPECIALITY SHOPS
7. www.kendavismodela.com Ken Davis's Model A Modifications (Texas)


Do a search on Ken Davis on this site and you will find tons of information as well.

[Purdy Swoft]

I agree with juke joint Johnny. Shocks remove the DANE-JUS bounce and greatly stabalize the ride. Here is some friction shocks that I got from my friend Carl G. The first two pics show the difference in the shape of the front and rerar shock arms. The third pic shows a front shock with the arm bent and installed on the rear of my speedster. Shocks do make a noticable difference !!!!!!! Thanks Carl G

[Dave in MN]

Originally Posted by juke joint johnny

I had an A pickup with no shocks on it once .
Every time you hit a bump in the road it would leap off the ground and change lanes !
Not for the faint hearted !!! If you are going to drive it best to put some on .

Unfortunately some "Restorers" leave them off as they think they are expensive , But the Life you save may be your own!!

John Cochran

AMEN! Describes my experience also.

Good Day!

[QGolden]

Unless someone beats me to it, I'll look up the bolt on tube shock kit when I get in this evening. But you can probably Google it.

[4118truck]

The bolt-on tube shock looks like the answer.