Shocks for a Model A 1930 pickup

[Oldford59]

Hi,
Recently purchased a 1930 Model A pickup.
Looks like the front shocks are frozen up and 2 are missing off rear of truck.
Has anyone installed the shock kit that bolts on replacing original shocks.
The cost factor for shock kit is minimal
compared to cost of replacing original shocks.
Any comments would be appreciated.

[BigE]

I put that kit on my 1930 pickup & love them

[woofa.express]

Yes, I replaced my old, original and rigid shocks with modern cylindrical shocks purchased from Snyder’s.
The result was a hard ride with no or little spring. It was like having the chassis bolted directly to the axils. I removed the front set and I’m in the mood to remove the rear as well.
If you decide to go this way I’d be pleased to sell you mine. Cheap.
I’m curious to read the views and experiences of others.

[Big hammer]

Tube shocks come in a variety, like goldy locks said about the porridge this is to cold, this is to hot and this porridge is just right !

[CarlG]

I have had the shock kit made by Ken Davis on my pickup for a number of years. They are great! Only thing better would be a set of Bill Stipe shocks. That is if you could get over the sticker shock. (pun intended).

[MrBruce]

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I have a set of tube shocks on my 30 Pickup (it came that way I didn't put them on) and would take them off in a minute. As soon as I get time I will rebuild a set of original shocks for it. The ride is a rough one and any auto is designed for it's suspension and I guess when you just bolt something up that wasn't designed for that vehicle you get what you get.

[Patrick L.]

There are many with tube shocks installed and some like them. But, my opinion is to not use them. I prefer original type stuff. New original type are expensive, but, worth it. Rebuilt or used units are available and cheaper. There are 2 shocks, CCW and CW.

[Oldford59]

Thanks for all the responses very much appreciated
I think, l will sit on the fence a bit !

[slatgrille]

Glad you brought this topic up oldford59. My 29 roadster p/u project didn't come with any shocks, so I'm in a similiar situation. Looked at prices of new original style...yikes! Finding used ones that need rebuilding sounds daunting too. I have a Ford prototype jeep (GP) that uses similiar Model A type shocks so maybe I'll dig into those as practice to determine my strategy....like you, I'll 'ride' the fence awhile...lol

[Synchro909]

I agree with those saying the telescopic shocks give a hard ride. The vendors have known that for years, yet they keep selling the same 'ol thing. Maybe it's a quantity thing.
I got around it on one car by mounting them at an angle. That gave a nice ride - one goldilocks would be happy with.

[Purdy Swoft]

I use friction shocks on some of my model A's and like them . Friction shocks stabilize the ride as well as any in my opinion and are adjustable .

[twilder]

I recently put tube shocks on my 30 Coupe. It only had the original two up front, but they leaked fluid and never worked. I purchased my tube shock kit from Snyders and was completely amazed and satisfied with the ride and handling. Mine aren't really that stiff but the handling of the car seems much better. The prices of rebuilt originals were a little up there for me. It cost me a rear brake rebuild though. When I installed the shocks, I went ahead and redid all the rear brakes

[Patrick L.]

I forgot about MG shocks. They look fairly similar to originals.

[hop up]

The shocks you have on you GP should be 1940 ford as they used a lot of 40 ford parts on the prototypes . This would be especially true if your dash has a 1940 ford gauge cluster and 40 ford steering wheel. The shocks are great replacement but your may have the F script and should be save for your GP as thats one of my favorite Jeeps along with the Bantam.....

Originally Posted by slatgrille

Glad you brought this topic up oldford59. My 29 roadster p/u project didn't come with any shocks, so I'm in a similiar situation. Looked at prices of new original style...yikes! Finding used ones that need rebuilding sounds daunting too. I have a Ford prototype jeep (GP) that uses similiar Model A type shocks so maybe I'll dig into those as practice to determine my strategy....like you, I'll 'ride' the fence awhile...lol

[700rpm]

I’ve got a $14,000 car. I put parts on that increase the value, not diminish it. My coupe has Stipes on it. The car deserves them.

[alexiskai]

Here's my thread where I talked about the installation process for the Ken Davis shocks:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=270370

Originally Posted by 700rpm

I’ve got a $14,000 car. I put parts on that increase the value, not diminish it. My coupe has Stipes on it. The car deserves them.

Do you think you gained $1200 in resale value from the Stipe shocks?

[Jack Shaft]

Originally Posted by Purdy Swoft

I use friction shocks on some of my model A's and like them . Friction shocks stabilize the ride as well as any in my opinion and are adjustable .

Frictions front and rear on mine,they are effective at dampening rebound as well as any hydraulic shock

[ahirt]

I put Ken Davis rear shocks on my 29 CCPU. For your information, the shocks he uses for the rears are from a 65 Mustang which weighed 2800 lbs. They have a 6.5 in compressible length -about the same working distance as the original Houdaille's. And since the truck weighs about 2300 lbs. and you can put 500 lbs in the bed, the shocks are just what the Doctor ordered in terms of damping capacity. they do work well and for a lot less than the original style replacements.

[700rpm]

Originally Posted by alexiskai

Here's my thread where I talked about the installation process for the Ken Davis shocks:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=270370



Do you think you gained $1200 in resale value from the Stipe shocks?

I won’t know that until I sell it.

[Dick M]

John Holland rebuilds original shocks at a very reasonable cost. Give him a call at 330-483-3896. He rebuilt my shocks 10 years ago and they are still going strong.