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Old 08-11-2025, 12:14 PM   #1
wickcopland
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Default Shock

Can the Model A shock be rebuilt?
I am new to these and my wife's 30 model both fronts are bad.
Thanks,
Wick
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Old 08-11-2025, 12:26 PM   #2
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Default Re: Shock

Hedge answer…
Some can, some can’t. Depends on the wear. If the shafts are loose and/or wobble….likely not.
Look up Brentwood Bob on this site
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Old 08-11-2025, 02:41 PM   #3
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Default Re: Shock

There have been several rebuilders that have developed ways to repair severely worn or corroded housings and wing shafts but the price to perform elaborate repairs makes it less popular. It takes big tools to open them up and can even take a lot of heat. It's like tearing an early Ford V8 down only to find cracks in the valve pockets & badly rusted cylinders. A lot of work for possible bad internal parts.

Some repro parts don't last so do your research on those. The Stipe shocks were better than OEM who-die shocks but I don't know if they are still in production. Other types are sealed and not readily maintainable if they leak.

A person can get lucky and repair their shocks and others have to keep scouring the country for rebuildable ones. It just takes time and patience sometimes.
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Old 08-11-2025, 03:01 PM   #4
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Default Re: Shock

There are kits to install modern tube shocks. If you are going to drive the car and not enter it in any judged shows, then this can be an alternative.
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Old 08-11-2025, 03:07 PM   #5
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Default Re: Shock

Quote:
Originally Posted by rotorwrench View Post
There have been several rebuilders that have developed ways to repair severely worn or corroded housings and wing shafts but the price to perform elaborate repairs makes it less popular. It takes big tools to open them up and can even take a lot of heat. It's like tearing an early Ford V8 down only to find cracks in the valve pockets & badly rusted cylinders. A lot of work for possible bad internal parts.

Some repro parts don't last so do your research on those. The Stipe shocks were better than OEM who-die shocks but I don't know if they are still in production. Other types are sealed and not readily maintainable if they leak.

A person can get lucky and repair their shocks and others have to keep scouring the country for rebuildable ones. It just takes time and patience sometimes.
Regrettably, Stipe shocks appear to be out of production. There were some issues at the company and if any product is currently manufactured, it's camshafts. Pity, I wanted a set of Stipe shocks but I guess I got my name in the queue about six months too late (mid-2022).
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Old 08-11-2025, 04:05 PM   #6
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I have a set of repro shocks on my Tudor that I bought from Snyder’s back in 2022. I had the arms and most of 4 links but my car had no shocks. I put them on and have about 1800 miles on them and they are working great. I also had my car judged in Touring Class this year and got full credit for them.
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Old 08-11-2025, 04:53 PM   #7
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Default Re: Shock

An alternative to Stipe is Rotoshim:

https://www.oneillvintageford.co.uk/...absorbers.html

They are made in the UK and the website indicates they are on back order. They are expensive but I’m not aware of any other option.

David Serrano
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Old 08-11-2025, 05:06 PM   #8
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Default Re: Shock

Quote:
Originally Posted by California Travieso View Post
An alternative to Stipe is Rotoshim:

https://www.oneillvintageford.co.uk/...absorbers.html

They are made in the UK and the website indicates they are on back order. They are expensive but I’m not aware of any other option.

David Serrano
Do they ship to the US. If you look on the order form it does not list the US among the other countries.

BTW it sez 1 In Stock
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Old 08-11-2025, 06:16 PM   #9
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Default Re: Shock

Pm sent.
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Old Yesterday, 04:04 AM   #10
Bruce of MN
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Default Re: Shock

Factory website

https://rotoshim.com/overview
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Old Yesterday, 05:35 AM   #11
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Default Re: Shock

Definitely in production - saw them being made at Rotoshim yesterday...
And very good they are too.

I think Sammy at Arizona Model A might stock them?


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Old Yesterday, 06:05 AM   #12
jak
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Default Re: Shock

Bratton's has a nice shock and it's 100% US made.

https://www.brattons.com/USA-SHOCK-H...uctinfo/24870/
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Old Today, 02:17 AM   #13
California Travieso
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Default Re: Shock

Hotrodfil,

Thanks for the information. That answers the question from Ruth. If Arizona Model A does stock them it should be easier to order since I’m in Southern California.

David Serrano
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