Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Good evening folks,
It seems as though Model A "Houdaille" shock absorbers are becoming really scarce... the popular Model A parts suppliers seem to be out of stock, or the items are temporarily discontinued.

Does anyone know who can supply either NOS or used "Houdaille" shock absorbers in good condition?
Kind regards
Mike, Johannesburg, South Africa

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

I would highly consider new shocks from Bill Stipe. I've order a set for my car and as I researched it, one might buy 10-12 rebuild candidates to get 4 that might be rebuildable and then add the cost of rebuilding.. I figured Bill's shocks are only ~ 20-30% over that total cost and are without question worth it from those who have owned them.

Here's a thread on his new shocks

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=151422

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Hi mike, if I go to the Bill Stipe website listed in that thread, there is absolutely no mention of shock absorbers! Are you sure they actually still do these?

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

LizardA,


Bill Posted in ? May about a new round of making his new shocks

http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/stipemachine.htm

http://www.stipemachine.com/

I PM you his email address..

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

I believe that was Bill's last offering. There was a list you could be put on but when this last run was finished that was it. The unfortunate part is they were an absolute wonderful product.

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Hence my question....where do we get shock absorbers from now?
Are there any used/second-hand supplies out there? Or perhaps, does anyone have a set or two they would like to part with?

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Bill is tooling up now to make a few (?) more. Taking names. E mail or call him.
Paul in CT

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

as we know bill is making his last run on new shocks and retiring. we also know robert paul rebuilds original shocks. now for instance you purchase bills new shocks and down the road there is a problem with one who can repair it? the internals are supposed to be improved over a stock unit so i would think you could be SOL any thoughts

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

I have had three sets of shocks rebuild by Robert Paul in Colorado. I believe he still charges $55 per shock with your core. If you send him a non-rebuildable core, he has lots of cores and charges $20 for one of his. The nice thing about Robert is he has lots of shock cores and can make the set for you that is correct for the year of model A you have. He stands behind his work. If something isn't right, he will make it right free of charge. I have his phone number if you need it - PM me and I can look it up on my computer. I don't believe Robert has email. He does have a long backlog of 3 or 4 months normally, so if you need a set quickly, he is probably not your person. Another shock rebuilder is John Holland in Ohio. I have his email and phone number also. I believe he charges the same as Robert Paul. I had him rebuilt an electric windshield wiper for me and he did a good job on it.
Rusty Nelson

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

If you're expecting to get rebuildable cores from Robert Paul you may be in for a disappointment. I recently sent him my four originals and was told only one was rebuildable. He said he had no rebuildable cores in stock and encouraged me to find some on my own. From all I have read, unless I get lucky this will be difficult.

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

So....from what I am reading here, this is all very disappointing. Why are there no shock absorbers available at Mike's / Mac's / Snyders / etc? One of the key elements to a decent and safe ride, and they are not available - this is really not good!

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Other than Bill Stipes shocks all of the original style reproduction shocks made in the last 25+ years are of poor quality. Glad to see them not being on the market any more. Get in contact with Bill Stipe about getting a set of the ones he is making now. This will be his last run before he retires. Rod

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

can someone help answering my question in post #8. if new shocks are purchased from stipe machine who can repair them and supply parts once he retires?

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

While I can not answer the question, I would think a forward thinking person like.Bill would try to use off the shelf seals. I do think by looking at the pic's that the needle valve and most other parts are custom made. Just a guesse from my perspective that if at a later date a rebuild is needed any parts would have to be custom machined. Rod

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

bought a set via Ebay and will send it to apple hydraulics for general overhaul, cost a fortune but shocks will remain "historical", important in Europe to keep the vehicle overall historical...

Cheers
Albert

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

i called apple hydraulics they have a quick turnaround time within 2 weeks... if any cores are not rebuildable he has some for 100 each...
195.00 per shock 1 year guarantee
anybody use them ????

john holland is another good option and probably the most resonable at 65 each lifetime guarantee

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Rod, yes they are custom made parts so my thinking is they wont be serviceable down the road..
thanks for the reply

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Call John Holland in Ohio, 330-483-3896. He rebuilds shocks, and may have some sets ready to go.

Re: Availability of Model A shock absorbers
 

Thanks everyone for your input. It seems as though these items are only going to be available from specialist suppliers and rebuilders in the USA, which is going to make my job a lot more difficult, since South Africa is between six and nine hours ahead of the USA, most of these people seem to only be contactable by telephone, which is not going to be easy.
Your help is appreciated. Kind regards, Mike