I need some shocks! having some sticker shock!

Rusty,

Just spoke to Robert Paul last week, you must have received bad information.

I have used Robert Paul for rebuilding my shocks for over 20 years. The 2nd set is on one of my A's, still working and not leaking one bit. I would not even consider using anyone else. At this time Robert is rebuilding 2 sets for me. I would not consider trying to rebuild my own shocks.
I have a few sets I will be taking to the Turlock Swap Meet the end of January.

Ron
 
Pinstripe said:
Does anyone have info. on whether Bill Stipe will again manufacture the new shocks??
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I ordered a distributor cam from Bill Stipe just a few days ago and while on the phone asked that same question. His office helper told me he was NOT currently manufacturing them (and had none currently in stock) but was considering doing so again if there was to develop a suitable market. She told me she was maintaining a list of people expressing an interest in them. I asked the price, but she said that hadn't been determined. As I recall, they ran around $1,000/set when they were available a few months ago. The vendors I checked with recently were sold out.

If anyone has an interest in them they can phone Stipe Machine Company (Plymouth, WI) at 920-467-2895.

My experience with shocks was that I located a set of original Houdailles for re-building. I attempted the job myself and found it to be above my skill level, so sent them off the JOHN HOLLAND (330-483-3896 in Ohio) to be rebuilt. I've had them on my car for over 1,000 mile so far without problems of any kind, installing them with the original-style links.

The ride is so much better, and the turns and stops feel so much more secure, I believe shocks are integral to the safety and performance of our "A's". John charged a very reasonable amount for his rebuild and returned them in a pretty timely manner. I'm very pleased with his work and can recommend him to you.

Mike in Oregon
 
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I have a couple sets of the "bad" reproduction ones in stock. They have worked well on the cars I have installed them on for a couple years then seem to wear out. I threw a set of the warn out ones on my car and filled them with 600w and they work surprisingly well.
 
I will be sending Robert 53 shocks this spring. I hope to get 2 correcty full sets back out of them. Likely will still owe some o0n the back side when done. I have slowly collected these over the last 10+ years on stuff I have salvaged and what came with my 29 chassis and on Dad's coupe. No real money spent on the cores, but has taken some time to collect this many, so hopefully patience pays off. Rod
 
We bought front and rears from Dick Pirkl, Tubular Convrsions, 608 575 7433. They perform better than good. The ride, handling and comfort is superb. I being a newbe had no idea that Model A's needed shocks. The proof of the ride came from my wife (the Boss) on the Blue Ridge Tour who exclaimed "at least the ride is great" as water poured through holes in the windshield during a sudden storm. Dick is up in Wisconsin ; I met him at a national meet two years ago. The cost of shocks is very reasonable. I get his price and post it. I have no business relationship with Dick; he's 1500 miles away. His shocks are durable, comfortable and easy to install. Update: The total price for 4 shocks from Dick is just $325.00 (not each but for all 4).
 
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I used Robert Paul. I got 13 shocks in each large priority mail box which weighed 53 odd pounds, I used alot of cardboard to isolate each shock to protect the adjustment stem from shipping damage. Mr. Paul reused the same box to return the rebuilts. The sets match and are correct for each vehicle. I think I sent 40, or 50 cores to him as part of the deal. Ron Rudd (see ABOVE) has the sets for sale, drop him a PM. Probably save yourself alot of time and agreviation. Bob
 
There were about 20 million shocks originally manufactured for the Model A. Just for stats, let's assume 30% have survived somewhere. That would be about 6 million. If we then apply the numbers from above comments, about one in ten shocks are rebuildable, or about 600,000. Divide that by four, and there should be enough rebuildable shocks "out there" for 150,000 Model A's. If each set of four sold for $1000, that would gross at about $150 million. That's a big number!

Just playin' & sayin'. :p
 
My A s (Town sedan and a Coupe) needed rear shocks. My coupe already had shocks (tube) so it was not much trouble to find a shock that fit. I used the bracket for a pattern and made another set for the T.S. For the shock itself, I used a Monroe gasmatic #59017. These very economical, about $50 for the pair. This is a shock that has a "Eye" at both ends. Very easy to install with 5/8 bolts. I had to commit the sin of drilling a hole in the frame to anchor the top of the shock. The brackets were attached to the rear backing plate bolts. You may want to use another shock as these give a little bit of a hard ride, which doesn't bother me, but some may find it to be too hard. But she doesn't lean in the curves. Good luck
Terry
 
I just called Bill Stipe and he says they are taking names for shocks. When they reach 50 names they will start production and then it will be 6 mos to delivery. I will add my name by e-mail as instructed. No mention of price or how many names are on the list to date (I forgot to ask). If we want new shocks let's let him know now. Bill G
 
If I HAVE to go to tube shocks, what are the best choices: Mac's gas shocks, Snyder's hydraulic shocks or Ken Davis's tube shocks? Bill G
 
Yoder Colorado is the place to get them. Great work and cheapest price. Price gets better if you send cores.
 
Belcher Engineering here in the UK do some friction based replacements that I think work OK and are somewhat cheaper? Probably something similar over your side of the pond I would think?

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I installed Ken Davis shocks about 3 months ago. Very easy installation and the ride is unbelievable. I couldn't be happier.
 
Hitchhiker said:
I need some shocks for my 1931 Pickup....I've been looking, But I am starting to have some sticker shock. Why are they so expensive and hard to find? I have a hard time spending 15% of what I paid for the truck for some rebuilt shocks. But I don't want to alter the truck either for another style. Any help or advice would be great. Are the reproductions bad? they seem to have a lot of bad press. thanks Matt[/

I've got a conversion kit made by Ryan Kaye. It was a little over $300.00 delivered and came complete with Gabriel shocks and didn't require drilling extra holes anywhere as I didn't want to drill holes in the front axle. The ride is good and I no longer have issues with body roll in a corner like I'd had before. They're a great alternative to the originals. I can always change back and not have any telltale signs the modern shocks where ever there.
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I have talked to Bill Stype about his shocks, and if he decides to make any more I feel it will be some way off. I have heard his shocks are excellent.
I have a contact here, s.shadbolt@xtra.co.nz who makes original shocks from scratch, but he is of the same opinion as I think Bill is, there is not a lot in it at the end of the day. There is no point in going to an enormous amount of work when the rewards are very small.
My contact here (Stewart) is looking at passing his work to somebody else who would produce shocks to the same standard. If I hear, I will post information.
I advertised an original set (2 x AC and 2 x CW) of unworn 100% shocks on Ford Barn and didn't even have one reply. They were cheaper than a reconditioned set. They were eventually sold to a person in the UK.
 
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