Rebuilding OEM shocks

B

Brentwood Bob

Well-known member
Currently I have been rebuilding some OEM shocks.
The Robert Paul shocks I hoarded for a dozen years are gone to authentic restorations. I found a set of rebuilt shock cores that were bushed, and machined, and Babbitt used to resurface the rotor. Heat melted some of the Babbitt when I took them apart. Possibly Apple Rebuilds?
One of those cores is an unusual base casting, several rings cast in the underside of the base, so not OEM.
I rebuilt a set of originals for my son that went thru a shop fire. They are fine.
Just like opening a box of chocolates, I only learn how good the core is when I get it apart, and cleaned up.
There are 4 makers, some 23 changes, and CW, and AC, so coming up with complete sets is problematic.
Several club members have rebuilt sets years ago and recall the effort it takes.
Probably takes half a day to get one apart to see if it is usable. One day total to
Finish.
 
Yep, I built dozens, maybe a hundred, 15+ years ago. No only is it tough, it’s nasty dirty and stinky when cooking or torching.
Cooking in charcoal is about necessary. You’re correct about time required.
THEN, I was finding maybe 1 in 8-10 being rebuildable. I had already culled the “usual suspects” of…off center, open and pour our rust…. Investing the time and effort in those not good and you’ve got a lot of sweat equity in the few good ones.
I have lots of good shocks that I put away but no longer attempt opening up additional cores…
Done
 
My opinion:Apple shocks are probably
Lifetime shocks, if you have, or locate good cores. The set I rebuilt were not correct, with
The one ringer, and were damaged opening them up with heat, as I mentioned, so to repair them they would probably need to go back to the rebuilder to be redone. This set still needs to be assembled to check the function.
 
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BB..
Not quite sure what you mean..
“Lifetime shocks”? Sealed?
If you opened apple shocks how did you know they were theirs? I thought they restored original shocks. Identify markings?
 
My lifetime.
Swag on being Apple shocks, the effort impressed this guy.
3 of the 4 I bought as cores had similiar bases, all 4 had same covers, all were intact.
They all came out of the same discard pile, so I assume they were a set.
Being "possible Apple shocks" seems like a good guess. The guts, other than the rotor,
were machined, and upgraded/ replaced.
Who else would do that?
 
I'm pretty happy with my Apple rebuilds. I didn't think two out of four were going to be rebuildable. And I know, I have to get tubular links. There seems to be a shortage right now.
 

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Be cautious of Apple rebuilds. Test them in a vice before installing through the adjustment ranges for hopefully consistent motion. Also, check what fluid they fill them with ?
 
Tha Shock with CAS is Canadian. Nice looking set on the car.
A 50/50 rebuild would probably work fine unless you are sensitive.
Robert Paul's advice was to leave his adjustment alone unless you live in an extreme climate, even then don't wear out the needle valve with seasonal adjustments.
I value the OEM set, as specified in the judging standards, for the same money.
Even a mixed set from different manufacturers over tubular, or mechanicals.
 
Just got the new volume 10, How to Restore Your Model A, from MAFCA.
Excellent article by Steve Schmauch describing the Houdaille Shocks.
 
Had no idea that was a Canadian shock. The mixed set I had bothered me at first but I got over it. I really don’t plan on making any seasonal adjustments. Vast improvement over non-existent shocks so I’m happy.
 
In there Q&A section they state not to open them for the first 5-years. If servicing, they recommend SAE 10 to 20 jack oil or equivalent motorcycle fork oil.
 
Hello, I know they recommend jack hydraulic oil for the GM type “knee action “ shocks, have a set on 49 Buick,made a big difference in ride , they are coil springs all around on it.Apple been around since probably the 1970,s I think.
 
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