MTFCA Forum

Hello All.

I just got my first Model T (1919), and it is equipped with these weird Hammond shock absorbers. The front ones consist of springs that connect to the oil pan, and the back ones aren't connected. I have the springs, but they connect to a weird hook and I only have one of them. The car drives fine, but if I go over any substantial bump in the road, it starts wobbling and I have to basically pull over to steady it. I can't find too much about these things besides some suggestion that I should just take them off. Any suggestions about how to properly install them, or whether the better option would just be a full delete? I'm attaching some photos for your reference. Please advise and thanks for your help.


Best,

Nick

Get rid of them.

I'm not a fan of any style of aftermarket shocks. Even if they have been rebuilt, I think they are dangerous. Also, I think they are incredibly ugly and detract from the looks of the car.

I had a similar set of Lake brand shock absorbers on a front end that I picked up years ago - refer to the link below.

When I took them apart, they were completely worn out. They had no bushings - just iron against iron. The non-Ford parts had no provision for lubrication other than just squirting them with oil.

https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/8 ... 1258884029

Hi Nicholas,
The front end wabble is more than likely not the shocks but something loose in the front end. Jack it up & put it on jackstands, check kingpins,
wheel bearings, tie rod ends, wishbone & wheels for movement. Check shackles & springs. Check wheels for heavey spots, If you don't find
anything ( I bet you will) do the same to the rear.
Craig.

It appears the front springs are not on correctly. The all springs should be stretched in tension.(to double the length) Thats why they feel sloppy now.
What I have is attached, via hooks to the early motor mount castle nuts. (all 4 : different brand with 2 pairs of arms)

The link provided shows the rears hooking to the rear frame ears.
(I don't recall how my rears hook up. Will have to look)

I don't think they do enough to warrant being installed, especially on our current roads.
I don't notice any ride difference. They were on my 14 roadster along with a bunch of other period accessories, so I left them.
Erik makes a good point about wear & safety concerns. A thorough inspection of the pivot points should be done @ a minimum.

Steve Jelf wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 17, 2024 3:36 pm

I believe Analysis of the wreck that killed Ken Meek blamed the antique aftermarket shocks that were on the car. I'm with Erik. Better safe than sorry.

The shocks that caused Ken's death were perch style shocks. It may have been a defect in the shock or the overall design.
https://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/2 ... 1342495776

There were many different brands for the shocks you have. The rear are attached incorrectly and could be for the front. Can't tell from the pictures.
Looks like the right side spring is not attached as it should be

These photo's are for similar style shocks of different brands

This is, by far, the best community of enthusiasts I have ever seen. Thanks a million for your help, everyone!


Best,

Nick

Hi Nicolas, welcome to the hobby!
Glad to hear you are getting out to enjoy your car.

I hope you sort the shocks. To be honest, on today's smooth roads they are probably unnecessary, but sure look neat.
From a safety point of view, if they are not complete, installed correctly or if they are worn, you would be best to remove them and hang them on the garage wall for conversation piece.

All the best

Adrian Whiteman

The better variety of these shock absorbers has an arm on BOTH sides of the spring.The load on that single arm variety is not applied evenly, and they will wear accordingly. They were a popular accessory offered by Duncan and Fraser in Adelaide here in South Australia, so I rebuilt the ones on my roadster, with bronze bushes and oilers. They are quite effective on undulating roads, especially on rebound when crossing side streets.

Allan from down under.