30A Roadster Shocks

stewgee

stewgee

Member
Hey everyone I just pulled the rear shocks off my 30 Delux Roadster and there was absolutely no oil in either. They look ok (no obvious wear). Should I replace them or get a rebuild kit from one of the Model A suppliers.? As you all know they are pricey. Also can someone tell me how to determine what period mine was built? The parts catalogs show 1928 through October 1930 and November 1930 through 1931. Also there are 3 different needle adjusters. Square, hex and pointer with numbers. This little Roadster went through a body off restoration between 2009-2015. Any and all advice is certainly appreciated
 
Get the Restoration Guidelines from MARC or MAFCA. There is a whole section on shocks.
There are more varieties of shocks than you would think.
 
The vendors sell shock oil. I would fill up the shocks and see if they leak is bad or could be lived with and refilled every 6 months or so. Taking apart the shocks require special tools including a concrete base to bolt them to. I have never been able to take them apart. Glycerin is no longer used for the shock oil. The shocks actually improve the ride so they are worth replacing or repairing.
 
Thanks Bill. Can you sorta guide me to the shock section on the MAFCA site. There's a lot of good info and one can get lost and sidetracked in that maze. Appreciate it
 
Personally unless you are doing a fine point judging, I would use what you have if it works after adding lube. Finding rebuild-able shock is not easy esp ones that can be rebuilt and would be year correct.
 
There are poor quality reproductions out there. The ones I mention can not be refilled and have a ford script unlike the original Houdaille. For some reason, the repops with the phony Ford script are regularly represented as authentic and no argument on my part can convince the proud owner otherwise. Good Luck: Fred A
 
They do make a noticeable improvement in ride and handling.

Another less pricey option is to have them rebuilt. John Holland currently has a set of mine for rebuilding.

Good luck - JIm
 
John Holland is an expert on shock rebuilding. He is also very reasonable. I have a set of shocks John rebuilt 10 years ago and they are still in perfect working order. His telephone number is 330-483-3896.

Rebuilding shocks can be a real bear. I do not advise you to tackle this on your own unless you are very mechanically inclined.
 
Really appreciate all the responses but I'm a little confused. These shocks came apart quite easy and seem to be in good shape. Just with no shock oil. All hardware is there (arms and dogbones). Isn't there a kit that I can buy to rebuild the shocks myself? Just asking :)
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stewgee said:
Really appreciate all the responses but I'm a little confused. These shocks came apart quite easy and seem to be in good shape. Just with no shock oil. All hardware is there (arms and dogbones). Isn't there a kit that I can buy to rebuild the shocks myself? Just asking :)
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https://www.brattons.com/pointer-sytle-shock-rebuild-pro-pack.html

https://www.brattons.com/square-sytle-shock-rebuild-pro-pack.html

https://www.brattons.com/hex-sytle-shock-rebuild-pro-pack.html

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stewgee said:
So would you say that the hex style kit would be the correct one? It covers 30, 31 plus. My Roadster had a square on one side and a hex on the other. Just trying to be sure before I drop a hundred bucks plus shipping.
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Sorry, I’m no shock expert. I just looked around for rebuild kits and found some possible options. Someone more experienced than I will need to chime in. I’m very surprised your shocks came apart easily. The parts usually manage to “weld” themselves together for most folks.


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shew01 said:
Sorry, I’m no shock expert. I just looked around for rebuild kits and found some possible options. Someone more experienced than I will need to chime in. I’m very surprised your shocks came apart easily. The parts usually manage to “weld” themselves together for most folks.


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Thanks shew01. I suppose they are in this good shape because there's only 600 miles on the A since frame off resto. It's just odd to see them with no oil considering what was invested in the car.
 
You might want to call Bratton’s. They usually have good pre-sales advice. They are great to work with.


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shew01 said:
You might want to call Bratton’s. They usually have god pre-sales advice. They are great to work with.


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Click to expand...

Thanks....not a bad idea. I will definitely give them a call. By the way I do love the color scheme and the tan top on the Vicky. Kinda matches a Roadster I know
 
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