1929 Essex

JFromm
JFromm Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Does anyone have any working shocks for a 1929 Essex or do you know a place where I can get mine repaired? The pistons are frozen and I sent them to a couple of places listed in Hemmings, but they all told me that they could not be repaired. Any suggestions would be very helpful! Thanks.

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Hello, Where do you live? When I worked on my 29 Essex, I had a dificult time doing my shocks too. With a little time you could soak the inside piston with WD-40 or something from your auto parts store. Diesel fuel works too. Let it soak for several weeks before trying to free with Wooded dowel and big hammer. If that does not work, then give me a call and I will check my bone yard to see if I have any spairs.

    Rich Smithen (jonme2@thegrid.net)
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    John: you say you sent them 'to a couple places' -- would that include Apple Hydraulics http://www.applehydraulics.com/shocks.htm ? From looking at what they specialize in, I'd say that if they say they're unrepairable, then they are!!
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    You may want to also post your question on the rodding forum aswell. They dismantle old cars and may be a source aswell. Niels
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Just my 2 cents but if you are going to drive the car on a fairly regular basis, consider making some brackets (bolt on) and using newer shocks. They are fairly inexpensive and work very well. We did this on our 28 coupe and it made it handle way better as it kept the wheels on the road over the bumps etc. The old reflex type shocks work but not near as good as a new shock. If it is a total original show type resto, then no, but if you want a nice driver, I would highly recommend it. I have pics of my frame with the shocks still installed and the brackets if you are interested.

    Cheers,

    Steve

    Also have complete chassis and many mechanical parts for sale if you are interested, tires and wheels, spare tire carrier etc.
  • JFromm
    JFromm Senior Contributor
    Jon-Thanks, I tried that place too. For $125 all they do is replace the seals. They can not fix frozen pistons. John
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    I go along with the suggestion to change over to double-acting shocks - they are far superior to the original single-acting ones connected with a strap, and do not look at all out of place. However, if you are a stickler for originality, forget this! It's easy enough to use lever action double-acting units front and rear on the '29 Essex, as you already have the brackets onthe axles and chassis, you just need to adapt the new shocks to them. I have just fitted Armstrong double piston units to the front of a '28 Essex I'm restoring, I can send you a pic if you want. I can supply you with a pair of these also.

    Geoff.
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