“Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

J

jeepguy1948

Well-known member
“Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

I’m looking for input about which shocks would be best New tube shocks vs Original shocks (rebuilt). I have heard opinions both ways. If I were to go with the OEM Shocks I would then be looking for a source.
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

i suppose the first question is whether you are concerned about the car being as it was originally?
i have rebuilt a few sets of originals and they seam to work ok. they don't leak and they are adjustable and mine work. if you have to buy new along with the links and arms i think that would be pricy.
there are folks on here that rebuild them. i am sure they will speak up and give you a price.
i would say that the tube shocks would work just fine. not original and need brackets.
Any of the model A parts suppliers will have either type.
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

I have telescopic shockers on all of my As. No one here rebuilds originals and importing them from the US is frighteningly expensive. I find the tele shocks generally speaking give a hard ride. The lighter the car, the harder they seem to be. Then there are the mounts. I have lost count of the number of times I have had to repair broken shock mounts, particularly the rear ones. IMO, it the shocks were not so hard, the mounts would hold up better but we do what we can with what we have.
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

Herb Concord Ca said:
Synchro909, have your tried VW beetle shocks? The original air-cooled VW.
Click to expand...

These are the fluid filled shocks I put on my Coupe. The grommets required some work but otherwise they fit fine and ride super. Don't go with gas shocks as they are far too stiff. You'll need to make mounting brackets for them. I used thick flat stock to make the front brackets, on each side of the front axle and held together with two bolts, one above and one below the axle. I wouldn't drill the axle. My Coupe steers and rides better than two new cars I have.
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

For me the key to a good riding model A is properly rebuilt original shocks. The key element is the bias built into the original shocks. I have one car with original on the front, repos on the back, a coupe with tube shocks, and a sedan with rebuilt originals. Which one is the best riding. The four door with original shocks, which is worse, the coupe with tube shocks. I have taken apart rebuilt shocks that the bias has been eliminated and the automatic refill from the reservoir has been disabled therefore ruining the original bias. New original type shocks are 50/50 so they act more like a tube shock.. the original design and function gives the best ride IMHO.
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

I thought, judging from the title, this was going to be about rebuilt originals versus reproductions. Are the reproductions, like Snyders sells, as good as a rebuilt original?
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

They are a bit harder to find nowadays, but if you're using modern telescopic shocks try to find the ones that are NOT nitrogen gas filled. The ride from the gas shocks seem to be more harsh with a light car like the Model A.
 
Re: “Old” Shocks VS “New” Shocks

1.12, tubular too stiff. Does not reference any reproductions, maybe in a future video. I have seen, and held in my hand, British shocks as sold by the Arizona parts place. Beautiful, and functional. That’s an option. At 20 feet they would look as originals.
 
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