Shocks shocks and more shocks

[ford-m]

Car is done except for some needed shocks. This is what I found in dads barn in 2003 and I dug them out today.

What do I do ?? where do I start to get a good set ??

[wrndln]

There are some shock rebuilders around like John Holland in Ohio and Robert Paul in Yoder, CO. I had 3 sets rebuilt by Robert Paul in the past for $55 each with cores provided to him. John and Robert probably charge a little more now, but still charge a fair price. Rebuilding shocks is a little tough if you don't know what you are doing.
Rusty Nelson

[JDupuis]

You may already have a set there. Many look like they are not seized. Have you tried them all? Jeff

[ford-m]

Have not tried to move them yet. Tomorrow's project.

[Brentwood Bob]

Your father did good.
Bob

[Dodge]

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Shocking.....

[Tom Wesenberg]

Spray them with black paint and put them on ebay, then you can buy a set of rebuilt ones.

Seriously, I'd try to free them up and see how they feel. You might come up with 4 good ones, or at least rebuildable.

[1930marie]

Looks like you have the cores - the first shock you rebuild will be the learning curve. The fourth one and you'll be a pro. I bet there is a club member that could help you get started.

[2manycars]

That is a nice collection, especially the arms.

[Ron in Quincy]

Clean up the Shocks, Using the Judging Standards, check the Covers and Bases to see if you have a matching set that is correct for year of your "A" if you plan on showing your "A".
Also check the area around the shaft to see if they show no wear (should be even spacing on cover around the shaft).

Call Robert Paul in Yoder, Colorado (719-478-5102) he does a excellent job of rebuilding, he also has Shocks for sale and knows the new Judging Standards.

If you decide to send yours to Mr. Paul, suggest you use USPS Priority shipping, if it fits in the box there is no pound limit and Shocks are heavy.

Not all Shocks can be rebuilt, it is better to let a professional do the work, just my opinion.

Ron

[Classiccanuck]

I rebuilt mine, it's not rocket science, go thru them to get a match set, each shock has markings on them indicating where they belong on the chassis (left front.......rear right and so on) then check if the arm can be moved. The most difficult thing is to get the covers off.

[ford-m]

Well after taking out all the plugs and I soaked all 16 of them in a pail of diesel overnight.
So far three out of four I tackled came apart with tapping around the ring and cover and a propane torch and the strap wrench did its job. I need to pick up a 1-9/16 socket tomorrow to use my impact on the other.

This one the Centre has pins holding it in. The others don't have pins. Are they soldered in??

[Mikeinnj]

The fluid replenishing ball check valve is a 5/32 ball bearing held in place with a pin that must be removed and the passage cleaned with a small hand held drill and blown out with compressed air. The ball seat should be cleaned & the ball replaced if damaged. Insert a new retaining pin and lightly stake it and avoid damaging the threads.

The two marks next to each other on the inner chamber cover shown in the top photo, they are "bleed valve plugs" that are "staked" in place.They should be driven from the outside, inward to avoid damaging the stake marks and new plugs inserted from the inside until flush with the inside cover surface.

There have been three good articles written and published on shock rebuilding in "How to Restore Your Model A" Volume #2 , Pages 38 to 43. Books are available at parts suppliers.

There is also an excellent article in HTRYMA , Volume #3, pages 54 to 59.

[ford-m]

They came apart relatively easy. Seven are doing a further soaking in Diesel and may need further love.
None so far were rusted inside, but many were full of grease.
The kit that I found with the shocks in the barn has some drill and tap vents. Where can I obtain these kits. I usually buy from Snyders and their kit is basic.

[JDupuis]

Wow Ford-m you lucked out. Check with Twiss to see what he has, or check with Dixie. Dixie rebuilds shocks as well. Jeff

[Flathead]

I think your Dad knew what he was doing when he collected those shocks. Most old cores are rusted up junk.

[JaxFLG8r]

Ford-M, I am jealous. Those look to be in great shape. I can't tell you how many I opened up to see they were totally unusable. Ed Williamson

[JaxFLG8r]

As you are probably aware by now, you need 2 AC (Anti clockwise) and 2 CW.

[Bruce_MO]

Looks like one of the shocks is a '32... the one in the lower left corner of the milk crate. They didn't have the adjusting needle. A '32 guy might be willing to pay a bit more for it. They're hard to find.

[mshmodela]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Spray them with black paint and put them on ebay, then you can buy a set of rebuilt ones.

Seriously, I'd try to free them up and see how they feel. You might come up with 4 good ones, or at least rebuildable.

SHOCKING! People do that on eBay!!