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Old 05-26-2017, 06:33 PM   #1
kimlinh
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Default No shocks

The shocks on my car need rebuilding or replacing. How bad will my fordor sedan ride with no shocks. The car tends to wonder now. If no shocks make it worse I will leave the car parked until the job is finished.
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Old 05-26-2017, 06:43 PM   #2
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: No shocks

Most ANY car with NO SHOCKS is DANGEROUS!!!!!
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Old 05-26-2017, 06:46 PM   #3
Dick Steinkamp
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Default Re: No shocks

If they are shot and need rebuilding or replacing, you already know how it will ride when they are not there.

IMHO, a Model A will ride better with new, original style shocks...but maybe not $1,000 better.

I don't believe "wandering" has much or anything to do with the shocks. Check steering play all the way through the system. (steering box, king pins, tie rod and drag link ends, alignment, etc.)
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Old 05-26-2017, 07:02 PM   #4
Chris Haynes
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Default Re: No shocks

I am installing MGB shocks on my Tudor. The bolt pattern is exactly the same.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MGB-MGB-GT-r...3D282487142279
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Old 05-26-2017, 10:24 PM   #5
SeaSlugs
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Default Re: No shocks

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick Steinkamp View Post
I don't believe "wandering" has much or anything to do with the shocks. Check steering play all the way through the system. (steering box, king pins, tie rod and drag link ends, alignment, etc.)
agreed. Shocks will help with bump steer and bouncing but wandering steering on smooth road is worn out steering parts.
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Old 05-27-2017, 07:53 AM   #6
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: No shocks

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It depends on the condition of the springs---if the springs are well lubed and flexible the car will not drive well without shocks----if the springs are stiff, rusty ,dry you may not notice the difference

My car is comfortable driving 50-60 mph, but without shocks it was very uncomfortable at 35-40, hard to keep in the lane
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Old 05-27-2017, 08:39 AM   #7
JtownJoe
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Default Re: No shocks

Hi Chris. are you doing front or rear shocks?
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Old 05-27-2017, 10:28 AM   #8
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Default Re: No shocks

My recommendation has always been and will always be the following. Before you think about really driving a 90 year old car, make sure your brakes, front end, steering, springs, and shocks are rebuilt or in a least proper working order. Model A was designed to be driven with quality shocks. That should be the end of the story. Worn out front end, another problem, than on and on. Just because it runs does not mean it is Road worthy.
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Old 05-28-2017, 09:22 AM   #9
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Default Re: No shocks

We reviewed shocks several years ago and found rebuilt original shocks worked better than the tube shocks. There are several rebuilders of shocks so you can get pricing from various people, we used several and were most pleased with Robert Paul in Colorado. now there are a couple of sources of new original style shocks, Specialty Motor Cams make a great one and Brattons has one that is quite nice too. So you have some options but do put shocks back on for a better ride.
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