The Ford Barn

holdover · 06-22-2014, 09:48 AM

Back into Model As after being away for 42 years. Have a 1929 Coupe that the previous owner put modern shocks on. I would like to return it back to origional shocks. In doing a bit of research it seems that many of the original Houdaille shocks are so worn that they are not rebuildable, I have seen quotes of more that 50%. So if I buy a set on ebay or somewhere else it would be like a shot in the dark.. Is this so, and does anyone have any recommendations where a a set can be purchased at a fair price. I saw in a prior post from 2011 where the names of rebuilders were discussed. thanks in advance for any help

tony in VA

Floats · 06-22-2014, 10:02 AM

Hi Tony,
Welcome back, what kept ye?

I believe the odds are that you need 15 to 20 old shocks in order to have 4 successfully rebuilt. Still no guarantee. Apparently if they still move, they might be rebuilt, however if they are frozen the chances of overhauling them is not good.

Good news though, Bill Stipes are planning a rerun of his replicas. Place your order NOW before 26 June and you might be able to get a set.

Regards
Chris
Cape Town

holdover · 06-22-2014, 12:32 PM

I contacted Mr Stipes, but the price is way out of my budget.

mshmodela · 06-22-2014, 01:05 PM

From what I can tell, I figure I'd pay at least $500 to get 4-8? or more shocks that would be worthy candidates for rebuilding; then spend $400 or more to get those rebuilt. That's within $200 of Bill's price. My car has no shocks at this point.

1930artdeco · 06-22-2014, 03:55 PM

Pics please! And welcome back to the club.

Mike

Quigley1930 · 06-22-2014, 08:35 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Contact Robert Paul in Colorado. 719-478-5102. Excellent rebuilds at a reasonable price.

Sewall Tyler

Ray64 · 06-23-2014, 06:14 AM

John Holland near Cleveland Oh. does a great job and has quiet a few at a good reasonable price. 330 483 3896

ctlikon0712 · 06-23-2014, 07:56 AM

I second the recommendation for Mr. Paul.
Contact Robert Paul in Colorado. 719-478-5102. A true gentleman to deal with.

Bob Bidonde · 06-23-2014, 10:56 AM

Ditto re Robert Paul. You can buy shocks from Robert outright, and he does excellent work.

06-22-2014, 09:48 AM	#1
holdover Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: SW Virginia near the Blue ridge Parkway Posts: 674	shock Rebuilding Back into Model As after being away for 42 years. Have a 1929 Coupe that the previous owner put modern shocks on. I would like to return it back to origional shocks. In doing a bit of research it seems that many of the original Houdaille shocks are so worn that they are not rebuildable, I have seen quotes of more that 50%. So if I buy a set on ebay or somewhere else it would be like a shot in the dark.. Is this so, and does anyone have any recommendations where a a set can be purchased at a fair price. I saw in a prior post from 2011 where the names of rebuilders were discussed. thanks in advance for any help tony in VA

06-22-2014, 10:02 AM	#2
Floats Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mossel Bay, about 300km from Cape Town Posts: 530	Re: shock Rebuilding Hi Tony, Welcome back, what kept ye? I believe the odds are that you need 15 to 20 old shocks in order to have 4 successfully rebuilt. Still no guarantee. Apparently if they still move, they might be rebuilt, however if they are frozen the chances of overhauling them is not good. Good news though, Bill Stipes are planning a rerun of his replicas. Place your order NOW before 26 June and you might be able to get a set. Regards Chris Cape Town

06-22-2014, 12:32 PM	#3
holdover Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: SW Virginia near the Blue ridge Parkway Posts: 674	Re: shock Rebuilding I contacted Mr Stipes, but the price is way out of my budget.

06-22-2014, 01:05 PM	#4
mshmodela Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 2,765	Re: shock Rebuilding From what I can tell, I figure I'd pay at least $500 to get 4-8? or more shocks that would be worthy candidates for rebuilding; then spend $400 or more to get those rebuilt. That's within $200 of Bill's price. My car has no shocks at this point. __________________ -Mike Late 31' Ford Model A Tudor, Miss Daisy I don't work on cars --I'm learning about my Model A. Cleveland, Ohio Last edited by mshmodela; 06-22-2014 at 04:22 PM.

06-22-2014, 03:55 PM	#5
1930artdeco Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lynden, Wa Posts: 3,776	Re: shock Rebuilding Pics please! And welcome back to the club. Mike __________________ 1930 TownSedan (Briggs) 1957 Country Sedan

06-22-2014, 08:35 PM	#6
Quigley1930 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Middleburg, Virginia Posts: 421	Re: shock Rebuilding Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Contact Robert Paul in Colorado. 719-478-5102. Excellent rebuilds at a reasonable price. Sewall Tyler

06-23-2014, 06:14 AM	#7
Ray64 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Grafton,OHIO Posts: 755	Re: shock Rebuilding John Holland near Cleveland Oh. does a great job and has quiet a few at a good reasonable price. 330 483 3896

06-23-2014, 07:56 AM	#8
ctlikon0712 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cocoa, Florida Posts: 1,609	Re: shock Rebuilding I second the recommendation for Mr. Paul. Contact Robert Paul in Colorado. 719-478-5102. A true gentleman to deal with. __________________ Wanted: Simmons Super Power Head Craig Likon 1931 150B

06-23-2014, 10:56 AM	#9
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,110	Re: shock Rebuilding Ditto re Robert Paul. You can buy shocks from Robert outright, and he does excellent work. __________________ Bob Bidonde