Model A Shock ID
 

Local garage sale some times come up with odd stuff. This one had these shocks out with some other old car parts. Now this by all visual is a Model A shock but for being so old it is in excellent condition, what I am trying to determine if this is actual an original part NOS or just an old reproduction that was never installed. Although it has a Ford script , it just says hydraulic shock and made in Chicago. I'm asking for some eagle eye Model A guys to set me in the correct path as to original part or old repro. I spent some time on the search section on shock absorbers and am leaning one way but want to hear from some sharp people on A parts. Thanks for your time when making a reply.

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

All original covers have Houdaille stamped in them with various other info

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

There used to be a man in Chicago who was building new shocks, this was 10-15 years ago. They had Ford script on the cover but no other writing. The shock arms he made were cast brass. As I recall you could get the compete set for about $150. . After the man passed away his son sold what shocks were left. The last time I saw the son was at the Turlock Swap Meet a number of years ago; he sold out what he had brought to the meet.
There were a few A'ers who paid the son money for compete sets, there checks were cashed but they never received the shocks. When they tried to contact the son the number had been disconected.

Ron

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

My experience is that the Chicago shocks are of poor quality.

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

I cannot remember his name other than it was "Pete" but it was more like 20-25 years ago that he was producing the shocks. He also had a parts business in Rosemont, Ilinois a few miles from O'Hare airport. I went there occaswionally on my lunch break. I also heard that the quality was not good. It would be interesting if you could open up the shock to see what the insides looked like.

Vic

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

all originals are stamped
Houdaille hydraulic suspension
made in USA or Buffalo NY
and most will have patent numbers

this one says hydraulic shock absorber
made in chicago

the others are correct on what it is
tom

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

Here's a link to an old post with some info https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ghlight=busiak

Bob

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond. This is what I expected to find out, just couldn't remember the guys name.

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

The shock vendor in Chicago was "Pete the Vendor". I have been running a set of his shocks without any issues. He had my order and money a year before the National Dearborn meet. I also was thinking that I lost my money because I did not get any response from him for months. Then his son sent me the completed shocks after he passed away from Luekemia just in the nick of time for me to install them for my drive to Dearborn. I think his son was trying to do the best he could to satisfy the open orders as quickly as he could. The paint was still wet on the shocks when I unpacked them upon my receipt of them.

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

DICK SPADARO

The shock shown in your photo was manufactured by Peter Buciak "Vendor", Antique Auto and Parts by PETE Superior St. Chicago.

I. like [email protected], have two sets of these shocks. I ran one set for a short time on my Dads Pick-Up.

Cars & Parts November 1981 has his ad, complete sets $210.00 "We pay the shipping charges to any address in the 50 states of U.S.A."

The shipping was a selling point for me as he also sold Cowl Bands $49 and '30-'31 Hub Caps for $5.99.

I'll scan and post the ad tomorrow. I also recall waiting for the second set I ordered and his paint took a long time to cure, wish I had some of it.

The set that I did run I paid around $185. I still have everything I bought from him except 1 Hub Cap.

Darryl in Fairbanks

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

Here it is, Peter Buciak's ad from Cars & Parts November 1981.

I bought complete sets, but he did offer individual shocks for $37, $146 for 4 in this ad.

Maybe this summer I will put a set on my Phaeton and see how well they work.

Darryl in -42 F very cold and Ice Foggy Fairbanks

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

Here are some Photos of one Pete Buciak's shocks that I disassembled this afternoon. The moving parts, cover and locking ring are all steel. There are three "O" rings. Only the base is brass.
Will post more in the near future.

Darryl in Fairbanks

Re: Model A Shock ID
 

Hello Dick Spadaro you would not have any old catalog left over with a 1932 cabriolet on your cover....l.o.l. I spent many nights working on that car with Charlie Hipp....hope all is well..