Shocks

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by KGBnut

One recommendation I forgot to mention earlier.

When putting Ken's shocks in the rear, I found that the original nuts that secure the bolts through the backing plates on my '30 Coupe have a built-in spacer to fit into a tapered recess. The nuts that came with Ken's kit didn't, and the new bolts are a different thread, so you can't reuse the old nuts (If I remember correctly - originals: fine-thread, new ones: coarse-thread). I made some small spacers to compensate. I would strongly recommend that you take the time to get longer bolts the same thread as the originals, drill a cotter pin hole through them, and reused the original nuts.

That being said, I'm very happy with Ken's shock kit and would definitely do it again.

Ken (no relation...)

The same bolts that hold the radius rods and the forward half of the backing plate work there like a charm. I just bought 4 of them from Snyders and used them instead of the bolts that came with the kit.

[Bill Goddard]

Originally Posted by Blessyouboys

I know of them. Their reproduction shocks are not adjustable and not rebuildable.

IMHO, you would be better off buying properly rebuilt originals.

The shocks from M&S Hydraulics are adjustable and rebuildable. I have a set on my bench now. M&S sent me a set of "O" rings and oil supply to rebuild them myself. They also replaced a shock assy that was defective for free 6 yrs after the previous owner installed them. They were great to work with. Bill G

[fredski53]

With the Ken Davis shock kit, can it be installed with the body ON the frame? Looks like the rear mount bracket needs two holes drilled into the cross member.

[duke36]

We installed a Brattons kit (Black shocks) which is the same as the Snyders kit and found the fronts too stiff. We used VW shocks on the fronts and the kit rears were fine. Installation is OK except the rear drums need to be pulled, frame drilled and the bracket holes cleaned of powder coat. Not to sure about the later kits with the clamps on the (later) radius rods which could bend or deform. The shocks at an angle can assist with the ride according to our shop supplier.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by fredski53

With the Ken Davis shock kit, can it be installed with the body ON the frame? Looks like the rear mount bracket needs two holes drilled into the cross member.

No holes drilled anywhere for the rear shocks.

[Chris Haynes]

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I use Armstrong shocks. They come on MGB's. Easy to find on eBay. Bolt pattern is the same as Model A. re-position the arm to line up with the A shock link mount.

[KGBnut]

I installed the Ken Davis set on my 1930 Coupe. I did so with the body on the frame. The top brackets in the rear were a little tricky to reach, but very doable.

The only holes you need to drill are two 3/8" holes in the FRONT axle.

[Bill G]

3/8" doesn't seem like much but will drilling the holes in the front axle weaken the axle? I have been considering getting the KD shocks and have wondered about that.

[slammin]

After studying all the different shock kits, I decided to fabricate my own. Having your own machine shop comes in handy. I didn't want to do anything to the car that couldn't be reversed so I didn't want to drill the holes in the front axle. I made angle iron brackets and mounted them with U bolts. I still need to fab the upper mounts, using the holes from the original shocks. Then I'll tackle the rear end.

[Bikerider58]

Hard to say on rebuild cost, I did not check other than various posts. I wanted original, but after checking around went with modern gas tubes.
Ebay seller m.a.c.s.fabrication, no drilling. Used front backplate bolts for rear with shock mount, worked great.
KYB gas shocks seems to work great. Surprisingly smooth at speed.

[daveymc29]

Originally Posted by Barney

Hi there,
I would like to ask again: Does anyone know this company?
http://www.antiqueshockabsorbers.com/new.asp

The company is located in Oregon. Someone's coming from there?

Member "shuttlebuggy" and I would like to know more about this company. Maybe someone has already experienced.
Thanks and best regards, Barney

When I click on your site I get Apple Hydraulics on Long Island New York.
If there is a rebuilder of merit in Oregon I'd be willing to give them a try. Please let us know what you find out.
[email protected]

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Barney

Hi there,
I would like to ask again: Does anyone know this company?
http://www.antiqueshockabsorbers.com/new.asp

The company is located in Oregon. Someone's coming from there?

Member "shuttlebuggy" and I would like to know more about this company. Maybe someone has already experienced.
Thanks and best regards, Barney

Originally Posted by daveymc29

When I click on your site I get Apple Hydraulics on Long Island New York.
If there is a rebuilder of merit in Oregon I'd be willing to give them a try. Please let us know what you find out.
[email protected]

Ya gotta love it when someone digs up an old thread. Barney posted that link ~5 years ago and Barney himself hasn't posted on Ford Barn in 4 years. It's no wonder why the link is bogus...