The Ford Barn

Doodlrodz · 08-31-2016, 05:11 PM

I have some shocks I bought on here from a good seller that said they came off a restored '32, I decided to move to another project and listed these for sale on here as '32 shocks but have some doubts after talking to some guys on here. Were all '32 shocks the same? Or was there early and late like most '32 stuff? I've seen pics. of the shocks with the PIE casting back was that the only '32 base? Thanks for any help. Here's some pics.

DavidG · 08-31-2016, 10:42 PM

You need to provide a photo with a side view of the shocks as the height of '32 shock is unique. Based on what you've provided, my guess is that they are reproduction Model A shocks fitted with a '32-'33 self-adjusting plug on the end of the shaft. The presence of the Ford script without any other lettering is highly suspicious as is the perimeter shape of the base. They also lack the cavities on the back that most '32 shocks have.

There was an early '32 shock that was manually adjustable and intended to be used on four-cylinder chassis. It was phased out early in the model year and the V-8 automatic adjustment version was used on all passenger and commercial vehicle chassis thereafter. The only visual difference between the two versions is what is attached to the end of the shaft.

DavidG · 09-01-2016, 05:51 AM

Check out Jim Kroll's ad for '32 shocks herein for comparison purposes. They're the real deal.

Doodlrodz · 09-01-2016, 08:27 AM

Thanks David G, I measured the shock bodies and they are 2 1/2" tall, also pm'd the guy I bought them from and he swears they are original '32 says they came off a very low mileage 4 dr. sedan that was 100% correct???

DavidG · 09-01-2016, 09:40 AM

If the 2 1/2" measurement is from the bottom of the base to the top of the cover then they are not Model A shock absorbers as those measure 2 1/4" for that dimension.

I transferred your photos so that I could enlarge them and I now can see lettering around the depressed area near the shaft. I'd appreciate it if you could cite that lettering as the learning never stops. I have an idea as to their origin given the placement of the Ford script adjacent to the filler plugs, but I'll avoid guessing until I know what the other lettering is.

Thanks.

Doodlrodz · 09-01-2016, 10:37 AM

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David, Here's the best pic. I could get. Mike

DavidG · 09-01-2016, 02:02 PM

Mike,

Thanks for the additional photo; it is most informative.

The patent number stamped into the cover is nearly 2 million higher than the patent numbers stamped into the cover of the typical U.S.-made Houdaille '32 shock, which struck me as representing a big chunk of time. Patent number 3,613,842 was granted in 1971 to an individual in Chicago who applied for that patent in 1969 and according to the accompanying drawing is indeed for a hydraulic shock absorber of the type used by Ford (with a separate screw-on cover such as that on yours).

I was into '32s well before 1971 and I do not recall there being available a reproduction shock at that time, which of course proves nothing. Notwithstanding, they were evidently available and it would seem that you have four of them.

Sorry, as both of us were hoping for a different outcome. While perhaps not as valuable as an original shock, they sure look good and if they operate well they likely would be appealing to many hobbyists.

ct1932ford · 09-01-2016, 03:10 PM

Live and Learn! Thanks DavidG

Doodlrodz · 09-01-2016, 03:31 PM

Thank you very much for all that research it is very interesting and hopefully will be beneficial to someone else on here. I guess they'll just go in a box and save 'em for a future project. Thanks again.

08-31-2016, 10:42 PM	#2
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: '32 Shocks? You need to provide a photo with a side view of the shocks as the height of '32 shock is unique. Based on what you've provided, my guess is that they are reproduction Model A shocks fitted with a '32-'33 self-adjusting plug on the end of the shaft. The presence of the Ford script without any other lettering is highly suspicious as is the perimeter shape of the base. They also lack the cavities on the back that most '32 shocks have. There was an early '32 shock that was manually adjustable and intended to be used on four-cylinder chassis. It was phased out early in the model year and the V-8 automatic adjustment version was used on all passenger and commercial vehicle chassis thereafter. The only visual difference between the two versions is what is attached to the end of the shaft.

09-01-2016, 05:51 AM	#3
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: '32 Shocks? Check out Jim Kroll's ad for '32 shocks herein for comparison purposes. They're the real deal.

09-01-2016, 08:27 AM	#4
Doodlrodz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central N.Y. Posts: 438	Re: '32 Shocks? Thanks David G, I measured the shock bodies and they are 2 1/2" tall, also pm'd the guy I bought them from and he swears they are original '32 says they came off a very low mileage 4 dr. sedan that was 100% correct???

09-01-2016, 09:40 AM	#5
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: '32 Shocks? If the 2 1/2" measurement is from the bottom of the base to the top of the cover then they are not Model A shock absorbers as those measure 2 1/4" for that dimension. I transferred your photos so that I could enlarge them and I now can see lettering around the depressed area near the shaft. I'd appreciate it if you could cite that lettering as the learning never stops. I have an idea as to their origin given the placement of the Ford script adjacent to the filler plugs, but I'll avoid guessing until I know what the other lettering is. Thanks.

09-01-2016, 02:02 PM	#7
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,101	Re: '32 Shocks? Mike, Thanks for the additional photo; it is most informative. The patent number stamped into the cover is nearly 2 million higher than the patent numbers stamped into the cover of the typical U.S.-made Houdaille '32 shock, which struck me as representing a big chunk of time. Patent number 3,613,842 was granted in 1971 to an individual in Chicago who applied for that patent in 1969 and according to the accompanying drawing is indeed for a hydraulic shock absorber of the type used by Ford (with a separate screw-on cover such as that on yours). I was into '32s well before 1971 and I do not recall there being available a reproduction shock at that time, which of course proves nothing. Notwithstanding, they were evidently available and it would seem that you have four of them. Sorry, as both of us were hoping for a different outcome. While perhaps not as valuable as an original shock, they sure look good and if they operate well they likely would be appealing to many hobbyists. Last edited by DavidG; 09-01-2016 at 02:09 PM.

09-01-2016, 03:10 PM	#8
ct1932ford Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: CT. Posts: 596	Re: '32 Shocks? Live and Learn! Thanks DavidG __________________ A man should do what he thinks best! "The Duke"

09-01-2016, 03:31 PM	#9
Doodlrodz Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central N.Y. Posts: 438	Re: '32 Shocks? Thank you very much for all that research it is very interesting and hopefully will be beneficial to someone else on here. I guess they'll just go in a box and save 'em for a future project. Thanks again.