1921 Hudson and Gruss shocks

Unknown

The new owner of the 1921 Hudson phaeton asked about

the Gruss shocks and the "firm" ride. I had the

privilege of riding many hours in that car while Bill

owned it. The ride is pretty much typical of Hudsons

of that era. This car may seem stiff because there is

a extra set of friction type shock absorbers mounted

under the rear of the car. Those really work as they

prevent nasty air-borne activities when you go over a

hump or railroad tracks too fast.

Regarding the Gruss shocks...they are worthless on

todays modern roads. On old dirt roads when you

didn't travel fast and could lower their pressure,

they probably worked well. On modern highways and the

speed that car can sustain, it is best to keep them

pumped up to 70 to 80 pounds pressure. There are two

reasons for that: First, if you let the pressure down

in the Gruss shocks, the tires WILL rub against the

tops of the fenders and could get hot enough to ruin

the paint. Second, low pressure will allow the car to

heave over in a corner as the shock on one side

compresses and the one on the other side unloads. To

add air, unscrew the silver acorn shaped cap on top of

the Gruss shock and there is a schraeder valve under

it. This is a great touring car!!







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