New Shocks vs Rebuilt Shocks

C

CatMan1

Senior Member
All 4 shocks on my '28 Sport Coupe are leaking and over winter are probably now dry. I'm wondering if it's a giant pain to rebuild these or should i buy new? I have no machining tools so if that's required I know my answer. Maybe someone rebuilds them?
 
I have 1600 miles on a professionally rebuilt set of original Houdaille shocks. All four leak and often need replenishing of their fluid!
The Houdaille shock absorber has a poor seal design, and once they start leaking, the Houdaille shocks become non-functional decorations. If you use your Model "A" mostly for driving / touring, I suggest using one of the telescoping type shock kits available from dealers.
I do not have any first hand experience with Stipe's reproduction of Houdaille shocks, so maybe his shocks perform better than the originals, and do not leak.
 
I have two prof. rebuilds and two I did. Mine leak but the prof. ones don't-go figure. Many miles on both.

Mike
 
I have had a set of Stipe repop shocks on my roadster for years. They work great and do not leak.;)


Bob-A:D


"Skirts are for Women not Car Fenders"
 
Rebuilding the shocks yourself requires some specialized tooling and some machining. The best way to hold the shocks when opening them up is a cast concrete block with bolts cast into them. Unless you have a burning desire to do the work yourself, it is best left to the professionals.

I just put the modern tubular shocks on my Fordor. I bought them from Snyders. They work good and the current version of the brackets are strong enough. The shocks are a little stiff in the front but not so much to be a problem. The car handles well with the modern shocks. If you are not concerned about being 100% original and just want to drive the car then this is something to consider.
 
I attempted to rebuild the shocks for my ‘30 Town Sedan and it was a humbling failure - they leaked like sieves. I sent them to Brentwood Bob and he rebuilt them for me. Smooth action, they look great. I haven’t installed them yet but so far no sign of leaks.
 
I’ve rebuilt shocks in the past. Fairly successfully…not always
You have to start with something decent to end up with something decent.
 
A friend of mine is close by. He is very well respected, and knowledgable on all things model a. His first model a was a roadster with no shocks. When he finally installed original shocks the handling, and the ride dramatically improved. He still has the car in his collection. And regularly drives it probably with those same shocks.
Can't think of a better endorsement.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top