lancemb Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I have a set of the old oil-filled shocks from the 50's. Were these things worth a damn in the first place, and would they still be any good now after 50+ years if so, or should I just use a new set of gas-filled shocks?Knowledge, experience, and opinions welcomed, please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caballero2 Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 I have NOS spiral shocks on my Roadmaster. They are good and are working well. I also installed them on a Caballero restoration in 1991. To my knowledge they are still on the car after about 30K miles of use. The car is still local and was in the Denver chapter show last month. I, however, would not pay over $75 each for them. Aftermarket replacements are, OK. I would use aftermarket on a driver. - Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rooster Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 My opinion for what it's worth ----- I would ditch them and put on a set of heavy duty gas charged shocks. Any old heavy Buick will ride and corner so much better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick man Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 …. If you are going for that rigid Torsion Bar wannabe feel then by all means go with gas filled. However, if you want the proper spec ride that works all the suspension components as originally designed then stay with oil stock shocks. Shock absorbers should really be called Rebound Absorbers as they actually work on the rebound cycle of the forces acting upon impact. Therefore Hydraulic shocks work kinda like jumping up and hitting your head on the ceiling covered with a fluffy pillow then descending onto a soft bed. Gas shocks are kinda like jumping up and hitting your head on the ceiling tiles, then using a fire pole to slide back down to the concrete floor. :') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazycars Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I HAVE OFTEN PURCHASED AND USED nos 50'S SHOCKS FROM A LOCAL SOURCE AND HAVE HAD EXCELLENT RESULTS. personally, I PREFER THE FLUID SHOCK TO GAS SHOCKS FOR ANTIQUE CARS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob McDonald Posted October 20, 2014 Share Posted October 20, 2014 Jumping on the bed, fluffy pillows, fire poles... You just never know where this forum is going to take us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick man Posted October 22, 2014 Share Posted October 22, 2014 .. just like marshmallow pies, looking glass eyes and strawberry fields for….ever man. Now wouldn't that be a ride ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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