modern shock conversion 29 tudor A

J

justindwright

Junior Member
I was wondering if anyone has done their own modern shock conversion on a model A? I know they have the kits. Any tips on sizing/retrofiting a modern shock? I know I would definitely have to custom make brackets, but is there any info as far as travel length or what not I need to keep in mind?
 
i bought the bolt on kit . works great . the front is a bolt on ... the rear has to have the shock braket welded on . i have some pix somewhere . kzsteve@yahoo.com
 
I made my own mounts and used Ford Pinto shocks. They were cheap and they work fine. On the rear cant them in at the top, probably 20 or 30 degrees. This helps with side sway a little bit.
 
I made some bolt on angle brackets for the rears, with longer bolts through the brake plates then used these to bolt on the shocks. I had hoped to use tube shocks on the front using the hot rod system but the spring perch with the longer bolt to fit the lower shock mount has no fitting for the mechanicle brake.
 

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Marc: Hot rodders have been drilling front axles for decades with no ill effects. You can also purchase new with holes already drilled.


FWIW

Paul in CT
 
A lot of shock conversion kits on the market have been figured out (not engineered) by what is available in the PASSENGER CAR parts field.
Most of the available shocks were intended for use on cars that are significantly heavier than a model A. This results in a "stiff" or "harsh" ride and nothing can be done about it other than add sprung weight to the car.
We have been doing tube shock conversions on hot rods since the 50's using race car shocks. They come in many different lengths so they can almost always be fitted in the available travel space. They come in an almost unlimited variety of compression and rebound rates. The more expensive ones are available in adjustable from the cockpit types.
They have a BIG advantage in that they mount "body up" to reduce unsprung weight. A consideration almost no hot rodder takes into account.
Another big consideration is, all the specs are available for you to read before you buy them. NO specs are available to the general public on OEM shocks.

Here is a URL to a site where there is a lot of general info on shocks. It is interspersed with other info so you have to sort out what you want.
http://hyperracing.com/pages/home/tech_department/chassis_setup/shock_tech.aspx
 
I see Ken's shocks are now $250.00:eek: I ordered mine about 3 months ago at $195.00 It feels good to get a deal from time to time:) BTW still have not mounted the rears yet, but I will get that done before spring along with an oil change and lube job. Other than that I be ready to go:D

Hiding from the cold in WV
dusty
 
marc hildebrant said:
Drilling into the front axel just doesn't feel right....

Is there an alternative ?

Marc
Click to expand...

I see it that way. Drill a hole in the axle, I would not. The modern shock kit A18014 from Snyders has a clamp. Does not require drilling the axle. Is the better way I think.
Greetings Barney
A180142-8647-xl.jpg
 
Purchased and installed Ken's kit 7-8 years ago on a 30 townsedan. No problems with the front axle. I happy with everything about them.
 
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