Shocks

You really need to get more details to fully understand the problem.

No shock A's are sort of ok if the springs are dead.

Good springs that are well lubricated at a nightmare to drive above 25 MPH without shocks.

If they have shocks are they working shocks and how close do they work to factory specs? A lot of shocks may not be working up to factory specs or just not working. I now know what I thought was a good working shock may not be working up to factory specs. I rigs something close to the KRW tester and found what I thought might be an ok shock failing the test by quite a bit.
 
When I bought my PU, it had friction shocks. All looked good. However, on closer inspection, 2 of them were totally inoperative, and the other 2 weren't much help at all. It was a real treat to keep things straight when you hit a rough piece of roadway.

KGBnut said:
...I installed Ken Davis's modern tube-style shocks. Excellent design, easy to install, and affordable. It does require drilling one hole in each side of the front axle.http://www.kendavismodela.com/Shocks.html
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X2 I'm happy with these!
 
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I drove a 31 Roadster around for years without any shocks. It was a bit "bouncey", and then I put a nice set of good working shocks on it and WOW what a difference. It felt so much more stable, tight, cornered better, steered better, even upon letting the clutch out to go just felt different. I really didn't realize until then just how important and how much difference a good working set of shocks will make.
 
31Tudor said:
I drove a 31 Roadster around for years without any shocks. It was a bit "bouncey", and then I put a nice set of good working shocks on it and WOW what a difference. It felt so much more stable, tight, cornered better, steered better, even upon letting the clutch out to go just felt different. I really didn't realize until then just how important and how much difference a good working set of shocks will make.
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I am considering putting the new style shocks on. It has none now.
 
I drove mine for the first six months or so with no shocks. Pop swore that his pick up was fine like that back in the 1950s when that was all he drove. Finally, against his advice, I installed shocks. The difference is undeniable. Even Pop admits it was the right move.

I installed Ken Davis's modern tube-style shocks. Excellent design, easy to install, and affordable. It does require drilling one hole in each side of the front axle.

http://www.kendavismodela.com/Shocks.html

Ken
 
I'm like a kid in the candy store..

John Holland just shipped 4 rebuilt shocks back to me. I sent him 3 old ones that were kinda ratty and one good one. He called to inform me that 3 of the 4 could not be rebuilt, I sorta knew that.

He rebuilt the good one and charged me $95 a piece for the remaining three rebuilds he had in stock.

The total bill, with shipping was $363. 4 new ones are about a Grand.. ;)

I've talked to John twice during this process, and I'm quite impressed with him. Will report back when I receive these.

Larry
 
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Drove my station wagon for years with worn out shocks. After installing rebuilt ones from Robert Paul I will recommend expending the funds. It makes the car handle better. I like to keep things original rather than go modern.
 
If you are not into what is correct then fit tube shocks, you will not believe the difference in the car you love as I did.
 
Mine didn't have any shocks on it when I purchased it. After many years, I finally bit the bullet. About 2 months ago I put 4 new hydraulic shocks on it. All I can say is WOW! Yes it does ride smoother but the handling is where the big improvement is. It no longer jumps all over the road, corners so much better and is a lot more fun to drive. It is one of the best improvements that you'll ever make on your car!
 
How does one contact John Holland or Robert Paul? I would like to have my shocks rebuilt. I'm interested in having somebody restore my shocks that has a solid reputation among MAFCA members for their work. Thanks for recommendations.
 
Here is what I found:

Robert Paul
34175 Truckton Road
Yoder, CO 80864
719-478-5102

John Holland
7208 Westlaw Road
Valley City, OH 44280
330-483-3896
 
Don't assume just because you have shocks - that you actually have shocks! Mine were doing nothing, with no resistance in either direction! They will be replace with Stipe shocks already on hand.
 
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jwaldrich said:
I m curious to know how many folks are driving their Model A's without any shock absorbers on them.
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I did for a year and a half before installing Stipe shocks... My car now rides and handles amazingly better. In fact it rides better smoother than my Wife's KIA which is only about 300 lbs more in weight than my 31' Tudor with about the same wheel base --yes the larger diameter tires helps on the Tudor.

For safety, I would recommend anyone who drives with roads with potholes to install shocks --hit a bump and your car will handle it, not go off on a tangent...
 
I bought a 28 Roadster pickup a few years ago that had no shocks .
When you hit a bump in the road the whole car would leap off the ground and land in the oncoming lane !!!
Pretty Scary!!! I soon put some shocks on it

John Cochran
 
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