New Stipe Shocks

[Tacoma Bob]

I stepped up to Stipe Shocks and to date have about 25 miles on them. Oh what a difference. My good friend and fellow club member Mike Thoe gave me a hand as he has a lift. The tube shocks were shot which surprised me as they did not have that many miles on them. For the time being I'm running dog bone links as I had a set sitting on the shelf. I did order up new rubber balls. I cannot tell you how much better the Tudor handles now. THANK YOU STIPE MACHINE.

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I stepped up to Stipe Shocks and to date have about 25 miles on them. Oh what a difference. My good friend and fellow club member Mike Thoe gave me a hand as he has a lift. The tube shocks were shot which surprised me as they did not have that many miles on them. For the time being I'm running dog bone links as I had a set sitting on the shelf. I did order up new rubber balls. I cannot tell you how much better the Tudor handles now. THANK YOU STIPE MACHINE.

Isn't it amazing how much difference they make? Many times you will hear guys talk about how unsafe their car is when driving over 45 mph, and when you start looking at things you quickly notice they either have worn-out shocks, --or none at all.

 

[Tacoma Bob]

Agreed Brent. It was getting uncomfortable to drive the car. I have had issues with the F-100 steering. Have check the toe in several times and this time I snugged up on of the tie rod ends and that has really made a difference. With only 25 miles the car appears to be a joy to drive. We are going to the NW Regional Meet in a few weeks and I was really dreading it. NOT NOW!!!

 

[Brian in Wheeling]

Stipe shocks. I had replaced all of mine several years ago...the fronts were the repops that were available at the time that didn't take oil. Found the left front completely broken with a sheared off main shaft. The right front was NO resistance either way, just flopping around.
The rears were a pair I had rebuilt by the fellow in Colorado and are originals..still functional. The set of Stipe shocks are a sight to behold and transformed the car. I must mention my springs and all running gear is/ are lubed and proper. Guess that's why I can drive over 45 without any issues at all. Also, it's nice to go fast when necessary,BUT you must be able to stop first...before you make go fast parts!

Brian W.

 

[raventrone]

I installed a set of Stipe shocks recently and the ride is now so smooth that it approaches a modern car. Everyone that has been in it comments on how different it is than before. It's a different car, and driving over 45 is very comfortable.


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[Brian in Wheeling]

Stipe shocks make that ole Ford ride like a Lincoln!
Least that's what my other Model A buddy says and the proof is in the puddin.
Some of the Best money I've spent on the car.
Brian W.

 

[mhsprecher]

Glad to hear this. I have original shocks rebuilt by Robert Paul. It made a huge difference. My TS is very nice to drive and handles quite well, considering.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Adjusting New Stipe Shocks

Has anyone with the new Stipe Shocks tried "adjusting" their shocks or does everyone run them as delivered.

I have had mine on for ~2 years and a week ago I decided to try a different setting. My Town Sedan, being a heavier car, I figured I would stiffen it up a notch but didn't really notice much of a difference. But I honestly have not driven it far since the change either.

Anyone have experience with the settings?

 

[Capt Quahog]

Holy Moly!

Will need to check this out.

Those original cat food can type shocks on that A Model Ford, though apparently rebuilt are ornamental and don't do much if anything to improve the ride. Thing is . . . How much ($$) are these "Stipe" things and how big a job to retro-fit / install them?

 

[Slowplane]

I installed a set of Bill Stipe's shocks about 6000 miles ago. I found that they did need to be adjusted; my car is one of the heavier models (150A). I did this with the help of a couple of local speed bumps. I couldn't be happier with the results. Money well spent!

 

[Y-Blockhead]

Holy Moly!

Will need to check this out.

Those original cat food can type shocks on that A Model Ford, though apparently rebuilt are ornamental and don't do much if anything to improve the ride. Thing is . . . How much ($$) are these "Stipe" things and how big a job to retro-fit / install them?

The Stipes mount/look just like your "cat food cans"...

I think I paid $1100 when I bought mine 2.5 years ago.

 

[Capt Quahog]

$1100

Holy Moly!

I'm thinking in my ignorance that the things are some sort of tube type shocks costing a couple of hundred bucks. Eleven-Hundred smackers! Gee whiz . . . I can take the wife into New York City and have a nice steak dinner at Sarabeth's Park Avenue for $1,100.00 (less tip). I dunno? Maybe instead, will head on down to Bath, Beast & Beyond and for seven-bucks get one of those scientist recommended sit-on pillows for the old keyster. There we go! Then, the original Houdini-hydraulic brand oil filled cat food can shocks may remain for the tourists to look at.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Holy Moly!

I'm thinking in my ignorance that the things are some sort of tube type shocks costing a couple of hundred bucks. Eleven-Hundred smackers! Gee whiz . . . I can take the wife into New York City and have a nice steak dinner at Sarabeth's Park Avenue for $1,100.00 (less tip). I dunno? Maybe instead, will head on down to Bath, Beast & Beyond and for seven-bucks get one of those scientist recommended sit-on pillows for the old keyster. There we go! Then, the original Houdini-hydraulic brand oil filled cat can shocks may remain for the tourists to look at.

The thing is that the overprice dinner stays with you for only a few hours, while good shocks can last a lifetime.

 

[Big hammer]

Well worth the money! Your springs need to be in good shape! New springs or restore yours
With my pos back when I purchased my car, it road like a log truck, NO spring action! Sand blasted and smoothed between the leaves, then painted. Then it would bounce like a ball, the Stipe shock's smoothed that out! You'll be very happy

 

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Holy Moly!

I'm thinking in my ignorance that the things are some sort of tube type shocks costing a couple of hundred bucks. Eleven-Hundred smackers! Gee whiz . . . I can take the wife into New York City and have a nice steak dinner at Sarabeth's Park Avenue for $1,100.00 (less tip). I dunno? Maybe instead, will head on down to Bath, Beast & Beyond and for seven-bucks get one of those scientist recommended sit-on pillows for the old keyster. There we go! Then, the original Houdini-hydraulic brand oil filled cat food can shocks may remain for the tourists to look at.

Just curious, what are your brakes like? Can you make 10 panic stops in a row from 40mph to 0 -and on the 10th time slide all 4 tires and stop in straight line? If you can't, then that needs to be your next priority instead of supper at Sarabeth's! . Otherwise, pick up some plastic pillow covers to keep your keyster from soiling those fancy new pillows!

 

[oldredford]

I have them on both my Model A's and it is money well spent.

 

[WHN]

Great shocks. Can you put a value on safety?

 

[Kahuna]

I don't have a Model A now, but have a 32 Tudor Model B.
The car had no shocks at all, front or back.
In the front, I got some MGB GT rear shocks. They fit the
original frame holes & lined up for the balls on the shackles
They work real well, and although not correct in appearance,
look much better than the Tube shocks, IMO.
Cost was $200.00 for the pair. They are also adjustable.
I think they are called: Lovejoy or Armstrong shocks.
When I called the Co. to order them, I provided a guesstimate
of the weight, and they adjusted them accordingly.
Maybe an alternative for those not seeking total originality?
Jim

 

[pgerhardt]

I did a tour to the GW tavern Sunday with the Fairfield County (CT) A's to meet up with 3 other local model A clubs for lunch. I am glad I had Stipe shocks and a rebuilt from end. There was no fear of wash board section of roads, or rail road crossings. My tudor rides so well, it is almost fun to drive, adding a little power in the turns, etc.

BTW about 35 model A's showed up for the lunch. We fill up an entire room at the tavern. It was a good day!