VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1941-48 shock absorber venders

I will be replacing my front and back shock absorbers this winter and want to get feedback on positive and negative experiences with venders that sell rebuilt shocks. It seems that two venders are doing most of the rebuilds. They are Apple Hydraulics Inc. and Five Points Classic Auto Shocks. Are there any others that you would recommend for rebuilding 2200A, 2200B, 2100A, 2100B shocks?

It seems that cost and warranties are the differences between the two venders. Apple does the front shocks for $195.00 and the back for $165.00 and warrants them for 1 or two years. A two year warrantied shock is an extra $10.00. Five Points has a sale on the front shocks at $350 a pair and warrants them for 3 years.

I am also interested in the longevity you have experienced with these rebuilds. How many years before you noticed leaks, stiffness of the ride, any installation or alignment issues? Thanks, Mike

I had my fronts done by Five Points. The rebuild didn't stop my wheel hop. I don't know if it was because they are single action shocks or if it was something to do with the rebuild. Working the action by hand indicates they have resistance in one direction as they should. I ended up buying a set of '39 tube shock mounts for the front and putting tube shocks on in place of the lever action. That solved my hop/shimmy issue.

Mike,

I've had very good service (20+ years, about 25K miles) out of the rebuilt front shock by Apple Hydrolics. I have not done the rear shocks yet, but I'll have Apple do them for sure. I have no knowledge of any other rebuilders.

Regards,
Roy

I just had mine done at Five Points, I have less than a hundred miles on them so far, but no leaks and they ride quite smooth. All four cost me about $1300 if you pay in cash he is usually willing to give you a pretty big discount.

-Davis38