shocks for 1930 Model A

JoeMarine

JoeMarine

Senior Member
I initially purchased "modern" shocks for my 1930 Model A but was totally disappointed with them.
I have since purchased four Houdaille shocks from Bratton and elected to buy the arms and "dogbone" to assemble the shocks.
I did not buy the Shock link assembly because I was told the "dogbones" were easiest to install.
That said, I have a simple question to ask.
The shocks came with the four arms and a bag with four medal cups with washers.
I don't think I need the medal cups with washers because the dogbones come with washers within the device. Am I correct?
Anybody ever install the shocks with the dogbones?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joe
 
Yes I have installed dog bone links. I am not understanding about metal cups with washers?
Dog bone links have rubber balls 8ea that go over the steel balls. On the shock arm ball and the axle ball. Then you fit two halfs of the dog bone to those balls, install bolts,washers,nuts. I looked at Brattons site and did not see metal cups and washers for dog bone links. Grease seals and metal washers are required for tube links! Hope this helps
 
The dog bone links come in two pieces(per link).A rubber bushing is slipped over the shock arm ball and the ball that's on the axle housing or spring perch.I used silicone grease to make this easier.Then the two dog bone halves are bolted together connecting the arm to the axle. Hope this helps. Dennis
 
I think your cups/washers are for the links. As mentioned the dogbones don't use them. I've also used the dogbones and like them except the rubbers don't last very long.
 
I mistakenly believed that my Nov 31 Tudor could have the dog bone links:-( For 4$ more I could have the tube links as called out in the judging standard's!
 
Hello Patrick, I believe you're right. That said, the dog bone doesn't sit in that cup so I do believe they were sent to me in error. THanks
 
Thanks Big Hammer. I'm going to try the dog bones for a bit. If they don't last long or don't work out I'll go with the tube links. Semper Fidelis
 
The dog bone links will last for years, I agree they are much easier to install, not correct for Model A judging but less likely to fall apart and lose the tubes and bushings. Ford started to use the dogbone style in 1932.
 
Hello Mike, I purchased the "modern" shocks from MAC. If you go to the MAC website you'll see them under the Model A Ford tab: "Model A Ford Shock Absorber Set - Modern Upgrade To Tubular Gas Shocks - Improves Ride & Handling Part # 28-22028-1, A18010SH/MOD." I was planning to return them to MAC. I know they will probably charge me a "restocking" fee so if you want to make me an offer. . .please do. Semper Fidelis
Joe Marine
 
I bought the oil filled kit from Snyders and couldn't be more happy. Of course, I had nothing to compare to, I didn' have any shocks to begin with. I think I read on this forum that gas filled shocks gave a very rough ride.
 
Not sure if these are posting, but thank you to all the folks that helped me purchase and install the shocks to my '30 Model A. . .it rides like a champ! Semper Fidelis
Joe Marine
 
If someone is looking for a set of Original Rebuilt Shocks, Arms and mounting hardware check out my add on the MAFCA web site "Foe Sale".

Thanks in advance,

Ron
 
No matter which shocks are in our 31' Ford sedan, the thing still rides like a freight wagon with busted springs. Even as rebuilt, those primitive shoe polish can original Model A shocks are pretty much just for show. When wanting a smooth and silky ride, we just hop into the latest barn-find 69 Chrysler American land barge sedan. How sweet it is!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top