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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 122 Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 122 Likes: 1 |
The 1939 shop manual says that the shock absorbers shall be filled with Genuine GM Shock insulation Fluid oil.
I don't think it is possible to buy this oil here, and shipping of liquids by mail from US is not allowed. Is it any alternative modern oil that can be used, from the common oil companies, Shell, Exxon/Esso, Castrol?
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 435 Likes: 2
Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 435 Likes: 2 |
Hydraulic jack oil will work just fine. Usually available at most auto part places.
1936 GMC T-14 low cab. TA for 1935-37 GMC, Director of the Gulf Coast Region
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 122 Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 122 Likes: 1 |
Thanks.
Jack oil is also known as ISO 32 hydraulic mineral oil. It means that I can use any ISO 32 oil in my rear shocks?
Last edited by Sundfar; 06/06/10 06:59 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731
Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 731 |
I used power steering fluid cuz I had a bunch on hand. seems to work fine
Chevrolet
Valve In Head, Ahead In Value
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64
ChatMaster - 15,000
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ChatMaster - 15,000
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 19,758 Likes: 64 |
Power steering fluid, Automatic transmission fluid and hydraulic jack oil are all similar weight oils but have different additives. It will not make much difference in a set of shocks.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,869
ChatMaster - 1,500
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ChatMaster - 1,500
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,869 |
 What about Dubonet units?
Best Regards, Pat
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,050
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,050 |
After I rebuilt my Dubonnet shocks on the '37 and replaced the old packing with modern lip seals, I filled them with 30w non-detergent oil. After several thousand miles and a few years of running the car on tours and local trips, I don't feel any difference in ride quality between the original shock oil (I have several cans of NOS Dubonnet Oil) and the 30w, nor do I have any leaks. If it works OK on New York roads, it should work anywhere. 
-BowTie Bob
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141 |
The original shock fluid was more the viscosity of automatic trans. fluid or jack oil. I would suspect the #30 oil would make the shock action very slow resulting in a stiff ride in winter. Now I know you don't drive the '37 during the winter but that was the reason for the used og Genuine GM Shock Insulating Fluid in 1937.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,050
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
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Good point, Gene. I hadn't considered winter driving, as my baby doesn't venture out of the barn between November & April. Guess it doesn't like winter anymore than I do !
-BowTie Bob
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,469 Likes: 48
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Aug 2004
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I have a 5 gallon can of Genuine GM hydraulic shock absorber fluid.
Mike
ml.russell1936@gmail.com
Many miles of happy motoring
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