To shock or not to shock-that is the question!

[Fred K-OR]

This may be a dumb post for those of you that know what you are doing working with a Model A. But this guy that knows little about how to do stuff on a model A has found out the value of shock absorbers.

This old rig I have had since the early 50's, never had shocks on it. Of course it never had much of anything else on it either. So when I rebuilt it in the last year or so and put a huckster body on it, I found a person had to lean to get around a corner. Kind of like when you ride a motor cycle.

So with my limited Model A experience I kind of assumed it may need shocks being the body itself weighed about 700 to 800 pounds. So I went out and purchased a brand new aftermarket set of shocks, put them on and wow, what a difference. It almost drives like a modern rig. Had it up to 50 MPH on the freeway and it went right along.

So guess the reason for all these words taking up space is to advise maybe some of you junior guys working on your A's, that know about as much about what they are doing and I do, to consider shocks early on in the rebuild process. It would have been much easer to put them on when I still had the body and fenders off than to have to do it after everything is together.

[Special Coupe Frank]

Fred,

Did you install modern tube-shocks or original-style lever-shocks ?

My coupe came w/o shocks, and it can get scary if I hit a bump while cornering...

SC Frank

[Fred K-OR]

Originally Posted by Special Coupe Frank

Fred,

Did you install modern tube-shocks or original-style lever-shocks ?

My coupe came w/o shocks, and it can get scary if I hit a bump while cornering...

SC Frank

I used the original-style aftermarket type shocks. Got the complete whole set for $575 which included all links, bolts, etc. If you want additional info on them, send me an email.

Fred K

[Kevin - Illinois]

My next investment will be shocks. Dad's old coupe never had them but I think it's time.

[tamagrouchy]

Ditto, I know I need shocks, and am working on getting a decent set of originals pieced together. They just cost so doggone much. Guess that's why I put it off for so long.

[Bruce]

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Shocks do make a difference. That's the basis of a favorite Henry Ford story. But the best shocks aren't going to make you go around a corner fast. I remember well taking my Dad out for a "spin." On the turn back off the highway into our one-road neighborhood he leaned hard my way -- like he was riding a motorcycle. He told me in no uncertain terms to SLOW DOWN! THESE THINGS TURN OVER!!!
Of course, he drove Model A's back in the day (he told great stories about those times) and undoubtedly knew what he was talking about. Wish I still had him ... I'd ask if he was one of those guys who bent all the spokes, among other things.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

I would buy a set of repro shocks with arms and the dogbone links. They all say the repros aren't too good but I've had them on my coupe for years and altho I'd like a perfect shock I can't afford the new Stipe ones and these are quite adequate. The tube links are expensive and the dogbones work just as well for a driver.

[kp]

Yeah , my 31 coupe drives like a "hedge hopper" ,no shocks ,next thing will be Houdaille type shocks,they tell me tube shocks on the front make it ride like tank.

[Bruce in southern OH]

I have an old rusty set of shocks gethered up, have the arms on them, ( saw in catalog where they what $ 21 plus for arms alone ) where do you get them rebuilt or where did you get your's FRED, thanks Bruce

[email protected]

[Dave in MN]

Ford Model A shock absorbers

REBUILT A shocks, one year guarantee, 36 years experience, $55 exchange, $75 outright. Robert Paul, 34175 Truckton Rd, Yoder, CO 80864, 719-478-5102....

Bob has completed 2 sets for me over the years. I was well satisfied with his work.

Shocks made a heck of a difference on my '28CCPU. The light rear of a pickup jumped around with bumps in the road. RR tracks were the worst.

Bob set me up with the correct shock covers and valves for the year and month of my vehicles.

Dave in MN

[Dave in MN]

Originally Posted by Bruce in southern OH

I have an old rusty set of shocks gethered up, have the arms on them, ( saw in catalog where they what $ 21 plus for arms alone ) where do you get them rebuilt or where did you get your's FRED, thanks Bruce

[email protected]

If the shocks are rusted beyond repair you may have to supply a replacement when having them rebuilt. If you have Robert Paul rebuild them, note that it is only $20.00 to obtain a core from him. (See my other post for info.)

[Bob A.]

Shocks dampen the spring action.Yes they will eliminate the choppy /jumping that you guys experience going around turns and hitting bumps.(This also applies to modern cars going around turns and hitting bumps)
I have two coupes (both drivers) the one upstate has no shocks. For the amount of driving I do with that car I feel it’s not worth the price.
The roads up north are much smoother than down state because of the lack of traffic and are much better maintained. Amazing, For the amount of real estate tax we all pay here on Long Island we should have them paved in gold!

[dmaxweb]

When I bought my Coupe it did not have any shocks.
I put Bill Stipe shocks on the front and modern tube shocks on the rear.
A world of difference!

Bill's shocks are a work of art.

[1931 flamingo]

After looking for many months for a car to purchase, I was amazed at how many cars (A's) are out there with out any shocks, and all owners asking top dollar. JMO
Paul in CT

[MAG]

Henry would not have put them on the Model A if they were not needed.

[Ken/SC]

I put Modern Shocks on my 29 a year back. I still think they are a little stiff. I would like to find a better modern shock. These were made for a Dakota Pickup. But it beats leaning into the curves.