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March, 2007

2100 Walnut Street

Kansas City, MO 64108

Local Chapter of MAFCA and MARC

NEWS

‘A’

LETTER

Heart of America Model A Ford Club

“

Certificate of M erit” 2006

“

A ward of

Continuing Excellence” 2005

THE TECHNOLOGY OF SHOCK ABSORPTION

One technical topic that I don’t believe I’ve addressed in the past is the topic of shock absorbers. There is more to this

topic than meets the proverbial eye. The purpose of this article is to consider the issue of shock absorption from a global

perspective. So, sit back, pour yourself a drink of choice and absorb the wisdom herein.

Original shock absorbers can be purchased at most swap meets. However, they have a nasty habit of seizing due to mois-

ture penetration forming rust. Some restoration experts recommend placing the offending shocks in your barbecue and

let them slowly build up heat until the rest breaks free. The theory of this solution is sound, but the application is a little

faulty. First of all, a barbecue might not be able to generate the heat necessary. Second, it is a real social embarrassment

when you have friends over for that big barbecue, and have forgotten you left the shocks on the barbecue grill. By em-

ploying some quick thinking, you might be able to pass the shocks off as some new cut of steak. Quickly sprinkle some

barbecue sauce on the shocks, close the lid and invite your friends inside for a few minutes. Meanwhile, get back outside

and remove the shocks from the grill replacing them with what you intended to barbecue in the first place. In my humble

opinion, it is better to put the shocks in the oven. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees. Lightly baste the shocks with a com-

bination of vegetable oil and Marvel Mystery Oil. Set them in the oven for ten minutes and then turn the oven up to 450

degrees for three hours. Remove the shocks, with an oven mitten of course, and place them in your shop vice. Place a

wrench on the shock stud with a six-foot cheater bar. Gently apply pressure until there is movement. If no movement

occurs, get out the welding torch and heat those suckers up to 3,000 degrees. If nothing happens, use them as a table

decoration. After market shocks can be purchased that look like the originals and are manufactured in the good old

USofA. Most of these shocks are self-sealing and require no fluid.

For those faint of heart, there are two other options. First, the shock arms can be replaced by the “dog-bone.” This does

away with the springs, cups, cotter keys, and the need for adjusting the arms to the right tension on the ball mounts.

From what I understand, the dog-bone arms came out of the early hot-rod era. In my ever so humble opinion, they look

kind of strange. Anyway, the final option that is popular is installing modern shocks.

There is one final consideration before we bring the issue of shock absorption to a close. This is not a mechanical issue

but an emotional issue. From time to time, every devoted Model A person has brought home parts, and in some in-

stances, entire cars, thus causing instant shock to their wives or significant other. In order to insure a continuing happy

experience in this hobby, one must address this shock. I support the idea of inflating the cost of the car or parts. Then

when the proverbial gasket blows in the home front, all one needs to do is say, “Well…the cost of this car/parts was two-

thousand dollars. However, because of my fine bartering ability, and knowing the love and support you have for me, I

was able to make the purchase for half price or less!” Sometimes us Model A folks face the situation of a shocked wife

or significant other when too much time is spent away from home helping out a Model A friend. In this case, pointing

out that helping the friend is more like a mission because he lacks knowledge or skill. What person could be against a

man on a mission of compassion? So, the mission approach may absorb the shock.

Anyway, I hope this dissertation on shock absorption has been helpful.

President Chris Launer