|
The original shock absorbers are often disconnected, not functional or completely missing on many Model A's. This is unfortunate in that the shocks add tremendously to the driveability, and safety of the Model A. Reproduction shocks are available. I have had no experience with them so I can not comment on quality or function. They can be purchased through most of the Model A parts houses. The judging standards have the current information on what shocks you should have on your particular month and year car. The shocks vary in cover style, adjustment pointer style, size and shape of the mounting ears. Although not addressed in the standards, the thickness of the mounting ears also varies. If you decide to rebuild a set of
original shocks, here is a list of things you should look for
when buying those swap meet parts.
First look at the wing shaft where it passes through the reservoir cover. If it is off center, or shows signs of wear, consider finding a different shock. Next remove the filler plug and determine
if the interior of the reservoir is still damp from glycerine, or
if it is full of 'coffee ground' rust. Finally, determine if the wing shaft is free. If it is, determine if there is any wobble in the shaft. At this point I prefer a frozen shaft, to a shaft with wobble. Either condition lowers the odds of a rebuildable shock. 
In my limited experience I've found 1 shock out of 8, which passes the above tests, are rebuildable to the 60/40 action of the new instrument. Another 1 or 2 will rebuild to a 50/50 condition.  Once you have enough shocks in hand to start rebuilding, you are ready for the grunt work of disassembly. Remember, you will need two AC and two CW shocks! There are many books on the market, including the Service Bulletins, that discuss the repair of shock absorbers. Once you've completed the repairs, your shocks will be ready for any road condition. And your car will responded by staying on the road under better control By the way, I hated working on shocks, did one pair and farmed the rest of mine out! |
If it
is full of rust, the chances of rebuilding are much less. The
shocks are built to very tight tolerances and if the interior is
pitted, the chances of a functional shock is poor. If the shock
is full of hydraulic fluid or glycerine, find out if the current
owner has 'rebuilt' the shock. If this is the case,
you will have to decide if the function of the shock is what you
desire.I know of one shock that was 'rebuilt' by placing pie shaped wedges of cork in the internal chambers.
YIKES!