We're working on a friend's tudor sedan fitted with tube shocks (car has many older mod's !) Does any one know what brand of eyelet or loop end shock would fit as replacements? We've read that some find them too stiff for the A but the owner can't buy original repro's at $1100+. We contacted some vendors from the MAFCA list and all they sell are full kits (with no separate shock brand info.available). The shock suppliers are not much help for the stock Model A spring set up.
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
Tube shocks brand?
Collapse
X
-
First thing, are you sure the shock you have are shot?
Next, I would take the shock to a Napa store and have them find a "OIL" shock to replace the one you have. Gas shocks are way more stiffer than oil shocks. You could also get a pair of MGB shocks for the rear, I wasn't able to use those shocks for front and back on my Tudor, but in the rear they work very well.You wana look waaay far up da road and plan yer route because the brakes are far more of a suggestion than a command!
-
There should be part numbers on the shocks that can be taken to the parts store and interchanged to any brand you desire. RodMuch of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good.
Comment
-
Check out Monroe 37098
Comment
-
We did some internet searching of shock mfg. spec's and have corresponded with some shock rep's et. al. to no avail. We did get a response from Bratton's today that their 'new' kits with red shocks are Gabriel 81039 (gas charged) but not about the black ones in their catalogue evidently requiring removing rear backing plates,etc. The others such as Gabriel 82007 and Monroe 37098 which fit a Willys Jeepster at around 2600 # weight appeared to be too stiff and are listed as nitrogen charged.
After remembering working on VW's in the '60's, I checked around for a possible pure oil filled shock and an EMPI 9650 shock fit the parameters of the ones we removed, 9 3/4" closed 14 1/2" + extended. At $30 a piece , we were able to test some from a local classic VW parts vendor.The compression force is easily less than the supposedly oil filled ones removed (which are nameless) which were harder to compress but not like gas charged. The down side is that these come with a 12mm steel eyelet bushing. In order to fit the 5/8" studs on the car, we drill- pressed out the bushing which is vulcanized at the shock eyelet. The shocks fit very well and will be lubed as needed. These are for the fronts only as the rears appear to be compatible with the rear spring and weight distribution.
Some bad news was that we painted a portion of 1 shock with 2 different gloss black rattle cans, one from Orchard Supply and the other Rustoleum engine enamel. They curdled the shock white paint again as we've found in other situations due to acetone and other solvents to aid with VOC req'd drying.Note that the shock paint was immune to lacquer thinner used to remove the tests. The last test was some Rustoleum Appliance Epoxy black on hand . It dryed very quickly with nice gloss , no real bad aroma and can be re-coated within 1/2 hr.
Once road tested, we'll report back. These seem a good compromise to help allow the front spring to do its job.
Again thanks to all on this site for helpful info.Last edited by plyfor; 08-05-2017, 07:32 PM.
Comment
-
Test drive update: pleasant improvement in front end ride,handling and proper spring action with the EMPI shocks. If desired though not needed based on our test, another install option would be to knock out the link pin bushing and replace with 5/8" hole size bushings ($4 per pair) instead of drilling the steel bushings..
Comment
-
If you decide to go with a gas charged shock consider the Monroe Reflex shock with the ASD valve. I worked closely with the engineers when designing the valve and the specialized machine to assemble the ASD valve. We received a SEMA award for it and Edelbrock came out with their own copy with just enough of a change not to conflict with the Pattent. At any rate if lessens the effect of the gas charge. I have not heard any report on how these perform on Model A's, but would expect it to be favorable compared to a common gas charged shock. RodMuch of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good.
Comment
-
The front spring rate on the Model A is 315 and the gas charged shock seems to be too stiff for that rate. We've tried KYB Excel G (gas ), comparable to Monroe, the vendor's kit 's ProAdvantage NS (can't find manufacturer name) , etc. and all are still too hard a ride. The VW shocks listed are the only one's found that are non gas enhanced and seem to be compatible with the 10 leaf front spring and the 13" center to center eyelets at road loading height.
Comment
-
Erwin and Gabriel are the other 2 major manufacturers. Gabriels can easily be identified by their crimped on (not welded) dirt shields. Monroe shocks with dirt shields are always resistance welded on with a fine criss cross pattern. Have never really looked at a known Erwin shock. When I worked for Monroe we made many other aftermarket brands including Rancho, Skyjacker, NAPA etc. Along with OE shocks for Ford, GM, Nissan, IH, Mack, Kenworth and Freightliner. Rod
-
Related Topics
Collapse
-
by jmart76Anyone try the modern shocks? Curious what you guys think.
https://www.brattons.com/no-drilling...nting-kit.html-
Channel: Model A Forum
05-22-2020, 01:32 PM -
-
by gdaquilinaAbout 20 years ago I purchased a set of reproduction shocks from M&M Hydraulics. I was happy with the ride and rebound characteristics of the shocks for about 5 years after which they slowly declined and leaked. Has anyone opened the older reproduction shocks to determine if they can be rebuilt? If so, could you please share what I will find when I open them up so I can have some plan of attack...
-
Channel: Model A Forum
02-25-2019, 07:37 PM -
-
by birdguy45I am interested in any members' opinions/experiences on the modern shock absorber kit offered by Bratton's (see https://www.brattons.com/no-drilling...nting-kit.html). I like the idea of not having to remove the brake drums and the like to install the rears. I have asked Bratton's for any additional instructions they have, but what they have is just what is shown on the website. If anyone...
-
Channel: Model A Forum
09-20-2017, 04:23 PM -
-
by slamminAfter much consternation, I've decided to adapt a pair of MGB rear shocks to the rear of my 29 model A. Found a pair of "good used" shocks on the Bay for a reasonable price. They should be here tomorrow. I'd appreciate any advise from anyone who as made this installation....
-
Channel: Model A Forum
02-21-2019, 01:53 PM -
-
by copgibCan someone explain to me the advantage of having Hydraulic shocks with Tubular Links or with Dog Bones? Also as far as shocks go, are the only choices: Hydraulic, Modern Tube or Friction Shocks? I would be curious on what everyone has on their Model A. I realize the cost of shocks effects everyones decision. Thanks Hugh
I just was informed there are many articles on this topic, so I...-
Channel: Model A Forum
11-01-2019, 03:32 PM -
-
by Bobm90Original Thread
Yesterday I installed a set of Offenhauser Friction Shocks on my 30 Town Sedan driver. I wanted to try these as a alternative to replacing or rebuilding the stock shocks and at a fraction of the cost ( $95 per set from Speedway) these seemed to be worth trying. The install was a snap using the original bolt holes in the frame, the arms were the same length as the...You do not have permission to view this gallery.
This gallery has 2 photos.-
Channel: Chassis ~ Body Reference
07-30-2018, 10:00 AM -
-
by AyyyThis is a brief summary about the installation of Armstrong lever-type shock absorbents (image 01) on my 1930 Model A pickup. I wanted to document this process since not much detailed information is out there, especially regarding light commercial trucks.
BACKGROUND
I have an unrestored late 1930 closed cab pickup. Ford gave the pickups a stout ten leaf rear spring to handle...You do not have permission to view this gallery.
This gallery has 18 photos.-
Channel: Model A Forum
06-17-2018, 01:45 AM -
-
by AyyyOriginal Thread
This is a brief summary about the installation of Armstrong lever-type shock absorbents (image 01) on my 1930 Model A pickup. I wanted to document this process since not much detailed information is out there, especially regarding light commercial trucks.
BACKGROUND
I have an unrestored late 1930 closed cab pickup. Ford gave the...You do not have permission to view this gallery.
This gallery has 18 photos.-
Channel: Chassis ~ Body Reference
06-17-2018, 01:45 AM -
-
by copgibMy Model A was a barn find and it didn't have shocks on it when I found it. I have read many articles on this forum on shocks and what everyone uses for their vehicles. New originals are very expensive, so when I read John Holland restores original shocks, I thought I would give him a call. My shocks from him will be on there way to me once he recieves my check. John is a very nice guy and he sells...
-
Channel: Model A Forum
12-07-2019, 07:29 PM -
-
by BeaufordSo Rusty aint got no shocks and I aint got the pocket change for Stipes. So I am looking at Snyders (no drill) or Ken Davis drill. Whatcha'll think I should go with?
-
Channel: Model A Forum
05-14-2018, 12:29 PM -
Unconfigured Ad Widget
Collapse
Comment