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06-08-2010, 06:34 PM | #1 |
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To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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.
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Fred Kroon 1929 Std Coupe 1929 Huckster |
06-08-2010, 09:48 PM | #2 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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 |
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06-08-2010, 10:27 PM | #3 | |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
Quote:
Fred K
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Fred Kroon 1929 Std Coupe 1929 Huckster |
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06-09-2010, 04:46 AM | #4 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
My next investment will be shocks. Dad's old coupe never had them but I think it's time.
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06-09-2010, 08:09 AM | #5 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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.
Last edited by tamagrouchy; 06-09-2010 at 08:09 AM. Reason: can't spel |
06-09-2010, 09:32 AM | #6 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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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. |
06-09-2010, 11:19 AM | #7 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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.
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06-09-2010, 11:25 AM | #8 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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.
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06-09-2010, 11:36 AM | #9 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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
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06-09-2010, 12:13 PM | #10 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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 Last edited by Dave in MN; 06-09-2010 at 12:20 PM. Reason: additional info |
06-09-2010, 12:35 PM | #11 | |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
Quote:
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06-09-2010, 06:09 PM | #12 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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!
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06-09-2010, 08:07 PM | #13 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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. |
06-10-2010, 08:20 AM | #14 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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 |
06-10-2010, 11:19 AM | #15 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
Henry would not have put them on the Model A if they were not needed.
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06-10-2010, 05:49 PM | #16 |
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Re: To shock or not to shock-that is the question!
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.
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