Shocks

[CAPE A]

Can anyone tell me how to tell the differance between original shocks and repros of the original. Are the M&S shocks the ones i see advertised that you do not add oil. so i will not see oil if i take out square plug ? Are there other makers of orig. type ?
Thanks for input. CAPE A

[Ron/IA]

Cape - I am not familiar with M&S shocks. Can you direct me to a web site or other info?

The reason I ask is I wasn't aware there were repo shocks, only rebuilt ones; or the manufactured shocks by Bill Stipe. (Buy, I don't profess to know all the parts available out there.)

[jkeesey]

There are repro shocks. Most companies have stopped selling them because they aren't up to the highest quality. They last good for a few years and then wear out. I have 2 brand new sets stuck in my stock here. Although I took a set of said worn out repro shocks and filled them with 600w oil and they are working surprisingly well on my rpu.

[Ron/IA]

I must apologize; after doing some searching I discovered there is a reproduction shock. I thought shocks were rebuilt from original parts (taking ten old ones to get one rebuilt one, or the manufactured ones.

I find there is a complete set with bolts, links, and all the parts to go with them from Bratton's.

I am curious, does anyone know who and where these shocks are made?

[CAPE A]

Ron, a company called M&S made the shocks they were in a Model A News Add. Location OEGON I have had no luck contacting them at 503-388-4357.
they did clame to be rebuildable, Duplicate of orig,and parts interchangeable w / orig.
I did find a web page M&S hydraulics that does list the Model A shocks. CAPE A

[modelAsteve]

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The M&S shocks are the ones with fluid leaking out of them!

[wsaric]

I believe M & S is out off business. Web site and phone are down.

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by modelAsteve

The M&S shocks are the ones with fluid leaking out of them!

Originally Posted by wsaric

I believe M & S is out off business. Web site and phone are down.

I guess they had to rebuild too many due to leaks.

[Patrick L.]

I believe the 'oilless' shocks are M&S [?]. Anyway, the 'oilless' units are junk, save your time and money. I also still see them in the vendors catalogs.

So, about the only way to go now is with Bill Stipe units if they can be found, or, good rebuilt originals.

[CAPE A]

I think i have a set of M&S- no oil leaking. when i remove the square filler plug I SEE OIL. How does the term OIL LESS come into play. i know someone can add oil into this plug. just dont understand the term oil less if they do have oil? Thanks for any Input CAPE A

[stouchton]

Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida

I guess they had to rebuild too many due to leaks.

I had spoken with Vern (owner at M&S) back in December I think. Called back in January and spoke with his wife - to learn that Vern had recently passed away. Hence - this is probably why they closed.

Wish they could have improved the product, but it looks like it is too late now.

I chatted with Vern a couple times, especially since I was new to Model A's. Seemed like a great guy, alway eager to help.

[jkeesey]

It means you are not supposed to oil them. Adding oil to them makes no difference when they go bad.

[stouchton]

Originally Posted by CAPE A

I think i have a set of M&S- no oil leaking. when i remove the square filler plug I SEE OIL. How does the term OIL LESS come into play. i know someone can add oil into this plug. just dont understand the term oil less if they do have oil? Thanks for any Input CAPE A

The oil you see is that which may have leaked from the internal sector.

The M&S shocks do not utilize the external reservoir.

Now you can dump oil into it.... there is no check valve to suck it into the sector so it will just sit there till it leaks out.

[Pinstripe]

Originally Posted by CAPE A

I think i have a set of M&S- no oil leaking. when i remove the square filler plug I SEE OIL. How does the term OIL LESS come into play. i know someone can add oil into this plug. just dont understand the term oil less if they do have oil? Thanks for any Input CAPE A

M&S shocks have oil to function but can't be refilled. They leak and are done which usu. seems to happen quickly.However, I believe it was Purdy Swoft that said he has refilled them with a heavy oil with good results? The other available new shocks are made in New Zealand, and I have heard good reports on them, but to get them to the US is expensive. I am hoping that enough people on here will contact Bill Stipe to convince him to resume production of his excellent shocks. These are exquisitely machined and well worth the cost of about $1100 a set(last year).

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by stouchton

i had spoken with vern (owner at m&s) back in december i think. Called back in january and spoke with his wife - to learn that vern had recently passed away. Hence - this is probably why they closed.

Wish they could have improved the product, but it looks like it is too late now.

I chatted with vern a couple times, especially since i was new to model a's. Seemed like a great guy, alway eager to help.

ouch