shock oil

[jeffery 10]

Can 50 weight motor oil be used in a houdallie shock ?

[Cowtown Commander 14]

This oil is readily available from companies selling model A parts. 

 

Synder's Model A has it for $6.95/pint part M-1046 Comes in a plastic pint sized bottle. One pint will do all four of the shocks.

[Spinneyhill 1,430]

I just used motorcycle fork oil in mine (1939).

[32mod55 0]

The original Houdaille shocks from the '30s used a mixture of glycerin and alcohol.  The shocks would usually seize up if the car sat for a few years because the mixture was hygroscopic and would absorb water and rust the internal components.  Ford used hydraulic fluid so they lasted a lot longer and usually didn't seize up.  If yours have the glycerin mixture, try to get it all out before you replace the fluid or they can still rust up inside.