The Ford Barn

jack wingard · 03-11-2020, 05:06 PM

Newbie at this. The fill hole on the shock is top dead center at 12 o'clock. The manual says it's to be 20 degrees off top dead center. How do I correct this?

rotorwrench · 03-11-2020, 05:41 PM

There are variations in the Houdaille shocks. This is a good ID link. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/shockidentification.htm

I wouldn't worry about the filler location so much as long as it fits the original bolt hole locations and it links up well with the axle. The reservoir cover screws on so locations might vary a bit.

jack wingard · 03-11-2020, 06:19 PM

Can I spin the cap to relocate the hole? the problem is, is that the plug is actually hitting the bottom of the inner wheel well and I can't remove the plug.

Jack Shaft · 03-11-2020, 08:49 PM

the houdailles are notorious for leaking and failure,before you spend the time attempting to fill it inspect it carefully,the center shaft should operate smoothly without any side play.The cover you are trying to turn is sealed and often requires alot of force to turn..and often alot of heat too..

jw hash · 03-11-2020, 08:51 PM

if you spin the cover to relocate the fill plug, you will break the seal and they are probably going to leak. you would be better off getting a seal kit before you start. there is a special for the shaft, that no one makes anymore, so they just sell you some O rings that do not work that well. there is another O ring under the lock ring. I use sealer on the threads under the cover. and even then I still have a leakier now and then.

jack wingard · 03-12-2020, 07:59 AM

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thanks for all the advice

rotorwrench · 03-12-2020, 08:33 AM

Another thing that you might check is the filler locations of the other shocks. A left rear shock will fit on the right front location and vice versa for a right rear. If they are all straight up 12:00 then an overhaul could be done to correct that or you may have to remove them for servicing.

I would check the shocks for fluid damper movement for both up & down motion. Houdaille used weights on a fulcrum arm to test them for how much time it took to move through the range of motion. If they are stiff, too loose, or they leak then they may need overhaul anyway. A person also has to verify if they are originals or reproductions. Some reproductions are very good but some are not as good.

I would also wonder if the body blocks and the body sills or sub frames are in good shape. If they have deteriorated, the body might be sagging down a bit.

supergnat · 03-12-2020, 07:19 PM

If you remove the shocks for inspection be sure to mark each one indicating where it was located. They are not all the same. Some operate clockwise and others anti-clockwise. I have never been able to find the markings to tell one variety from the other. Good luck

tmiller6 · 03-12-2020, 09:29 PM

Your lack of clearance may be due to the rear body blocks failing or subrail cracking. The original block is only three inches long.

On my 28 Sport Coupe I had to fit longer 1930 style rear wood mounts and repair the subrail cracks in order to get the body to sit right.

As far as whether the shock is CC or CW rotation, the shock arm will only bolt on one way and it becomes apparent as to which corner they belong.

03-11-2020, 05:06 PM	#1
jack wingard Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stoneboro PA Posts: 120	Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe Newbie at this. The fill hole on the shock is top dead center at 12 o'clock. The manual says it's to be 20 degrees off top dead center. How do I correct this?

03-11-2020, 05:41 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,426	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe There are variations in the Houdaille shocks. This is a good ID link. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/shockidentification.htm I wouldn't worry about the filler location so much as long as it fits the original bolt hole locations and it links up well with the axle. The reservoir cover screws on so locations might vary a bit.

03-11-2020, 06:19 PM	#3
jack wingard Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stoneboro PA Posts: 120	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe Can I spin the cap to relocate the hole? the problem is, is that the plug is actually hitting the bottom of the inner wheel well and I can't remove the plug.

03-11-2020, 08:49 PM	#4
Jack Shaft BANNED Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 1,196	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe the houdailles are notorious for leaking and failure,before you spend the time attempting to fill it inspect it carefully,the center shaft should operate smoothly without any side play.The cover you are trying to turn is sealed and often requires alot of force to turn..and often alot of heat too..

03-11-2020, 08:51 PM	#5
jw hash Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auburn Washington Posts: 2,552	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe if you spin the cover to relocate the fill plug, you will break the seal and they are probably going to leak. you would be better off getting a seal kit before you start. there is a special for the shaft, that no one makes anymore, so they just sell you some O rings that do not work that well. there is another O ring under the lock ring. I use sealer on the threads under the cover. and even then I still have a leakier now and then.

03-12-2020, 07:59 AM	#6
jack wingard Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Stoneboro PA Posts: 120	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) thanks for all the advice

03-12-2020, 08:33 AM	#7
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,426	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe Another thing that you might check is the filler locations of the other shocks. A left rear shock will fit on the right front location and vice versa for a right rear. If they are all straight up 12:00 then an overhaul could be done to correct that or you may have to remove them for servicing. I would check the shocks for fluid damper movement for both up & down motion. Houdaille used weights on a fulcrum arm to test them for how much time it took to move through the range of motion. If they are stiff, too loose, or they leak then they may need overhaul anyway. A person also has to verify if they are originals or reproductions. Some reproductions are very good but some are not as good. I would also wonder if the body blocks and the body sills or sub frames are in good shape. If they have deteriorated, the body might be sagging down a bit. Last edited by rotorwrench; 03-12-2020 at 08:43 AM.

03-12-2020, 07:19 PM	#8
supergnat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Palmyra, NJ Posts: 475	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe If you remove the shocks for inspection be sure to mark each one indicating where it was located. They are not all the same. Some operate clockwise and others anti-clockwise. I have never been able to find the markings to tell one variety from the other. Good luck

03-12-2020, 09:29 PM	#9
tmiller6 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Livonia, MI Posts: 197	Re: Rear Shocks 1929 sport coupe Your lack of clearance may be due to the rear body blocks failing or subrail cracking. The original block is only three inches long. On my 28 Sport Coupe I had to fit longer 1930 style rear wood mounts and repair the subrail cracks in order to get the body to sit right. As far as whether the shock is CC or CW rotation, the shock arm will only bolt on one way and it becomes apparent as to which corner they belong.