Rebuild kit for shocks ?

[A-Jay]

I have been wondering if I should try the shock rebuild kit sold by Brattons and others for the round type shocks on my 1930. Is this what is referred to as Friction shock ? I would guess they are not working 100%. Is there a easy on the car Test for these ? The arms that connect the front shocks to the front end are very free moving (loose) is that normal or are they worn out. Nothing is rusted up or dry looking but. Any pointers on a pre-test and also rebuild tips would be great. I will need a few good projects when we are snowed in. Thanks for your advice. A-Jay

 

[Mitch]

Could be internally worn out or rebuildable. I do a lot of metal and machine work, but I won't waste my time trying to rebuild shocks. I trade in or purchase rebuilt originals from qualified restorers. Rebuilding them takes experience and the right tools.

 

[30cabriolet]

If you do decide to rebuild your shocks, then you will need the rebuild kit from any of the suppliers. The kit only contains the gaskets, ball bearings, graphite string,and lead that you will need, but it does not explain how to rebuild the shocks.

I have rebuilt about 20 shocks and it is not easy in any way; many of them are also different internally. Just getting the shock covers off without damage is a chore. Then you have to get the main body open which can take up to a six foot breaker bar. After all that fun, and you finally get to the vane and the check valve(s), you may find that the shock is not rebuildable due to wear and internal rust. I have found that I have had about a 40% success rate rebuilding shocks back to usable, so you may need to start with up to 10 good cores to get 4 decent shocks.

There are a couple of guys that charge to rebuild your shocks, and that may be an option for you. Or they may be able to explain the best way to rebuild your own shocks.