The Ford Barn - shocks

The Ford Barn (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/index.php)

- Model A (1928-31) (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3)

- - shocks (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158139)

are stipe shocks that much better than friction shocks? taking in cost ect.

Yes. But he has said he isn't going to make any more.

I too would have to say yes.

I'm speculating that could change. His product is so highly regarded, whatever price he determines, still brings buyers in droves.

Have them on my roadster , they give a great ride .

Yes, I'm sure that the Stipe shocks are better but cost way more. I'm getting by purdy good with friction shocks. I'm not sure if friction shocks are available in sets anymore . I think that Speedway still sells front friction shocks on line. The rear friction shocks have longer angled arms. The arms on the front shocks can be bent and will work on the rear. I'm running a set of modified front friction shocks on the rear of my speedster

Just received my set of 4 shocks from what Bill claims will be his final manufacturing run. He wants to retire to KY. I sent a deposit to get on his list 7 months ago. Final cost: $1100 for 4, plus shipping.

John

Before Hershey, I was on the fence about getting on the wait list. In the end, I decided that I wanted to rebuild my own...at least try. Hope I didn't make the wrong choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 700rpm (Post 1007399)

Yes. But he has said he isn't going to make any more.

I think he is taking names for another batch.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showpo...02&postcount=1

Thanks Mike...I'll call tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft (Post 1007784)

Purdy, I just checked these Offenhauser Nostalgia Friction Shocks out on the Speedway site. At $100/pair, they deserve consideration, but how much work did it require to fit them to your speedster? And could the same be fitted to an otherwise stock A?

Got any photos of yours (front and rear) that you could share here? :)

Also wondering if it's got to be all or nothing with shocks? i.e. Is it possible to just set up front OR rear, and if so, what would be your priority?

I dont think there is any doubt that they are the best on the market. The ride is exceptional but then again so is the cost. A lot of factors to be weighed before you invest that much money.
Wayne

Here's a short video on what my stipe shocks look like

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGwz6kafn3A

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoogah (Post 1009573)

Speedway once listed two styles of friction shocks Here is some pics of the style that I use . These pics show front friction shocks on the rear of my speedster that I bent and fitted . I dissassembled the shocks , clamped the straight arms in my vise and bent the arms as needed. The arms are shorter on the front shocks but they still work.

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440895-T400300.jpg

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440905-T400300.jpg

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440886-T400300.jpg

Here is a pic of the front friction shoch mounted on the front with the straight unbent arm

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440838-T400300.jpg

Here iare some pics of the correct rear friction shocks with the longer angled rear arms on my september 29 strip down . Speedway doesn't offer these. I got these courtesy my friend Carl G.

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440821-T400300.jpg

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440797-T400300.jpg

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/4440742-T400300.jpg

I hope this gives some idea. This is the best pics that I have. It was easier to take these pics because these two model A's don't have fenders. I run a set on my roadster but it is full fendered and I would have needed to remove the wheels to take the pictures. I did need to shim the rear shocks a bit from the frame so that the arms cleared the rear inner fender panels on the roadster but none of it was that difficult to do. These shocks are adjustable and stabalize the ride and make the cars safer. I make no claim that friction shocks are as good as the more expensive Stipe hydraulic shocks. They are a sort of period correct copy of some accessory shocks offered in the past. They are kinda popular on speedsters . I like them and they work for me .

You Model A guys might consider the MGB rear shocks. They bolt to existing frame holes and can be had reasonably and work real well. I have them on the front end of my Model B tudor

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoogah (Post 1009575)

Also wondering if it's got to be all or nothing with shocks? i.e. Is it possible to just set up front OR rear, and if so, what would be your priority?

As for my experience with friction shocks, In 1974 or 5 , I ordered a set of Ansen shocks that are like the shocks that I pictured above. I received the front pair but the rear shocks were backordered and I never got them . I went ahead and installed the front shocks on our 31 coupe and could notice a good improvement over no shocks at all. Later in the mid 90s , I bought a complete set of repro hydraulic shocks that were available at the time and installed them on the coupe. I really could see no improvement over having just the friction shocks on the front, maybe not even as good . These hydraulic shocks soon began to leak and I have been very unhappy with them .

Actually , shocks of any kind will help prevent the front crossmember from cracking. With no shocks on the front, the front crossmember eventually cracks.

Thanks Purdy - just what I was looking for. I've saved those piccies for future reference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna (Post 1009766)

You Model A guys might consider the MGB rear shocks. They bolt to existing frame holes and can be had reasonably and work real well. I have them on the front end of my Model B tudor

Do you use MGB arms or Model A arms?
Will they work on all 4 corners?
Can you post a picture?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahuna (Post 1009766)

You Model A guys might consider the MGB rear shocks. They bolt to existing frame holes and can be had reasonably and work real well. I have them on the front end of my Model B tudor

There was a thread about these,

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154966
and
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154342