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MG MGA - Rebuilding Front Shocks

Hi all,

As part of the front end rebuild I am planning to have at least one of my front shocks (dampers) rebuilt. The right side unit is leaking, but the left side appears to be in good shape.

First question; would it be prudent to have both rebuild at the same time to ensure uniform performance?

Second question; Apple Hydraulics offers a "heavy duty" rebuild with larger bushings and 15% stiffer valving. Any thoughts or experience with the stiffer shocks?

My '59 roadster is virtually 100% stock, and does not have a front sway bar. I will likely add one at some point in the future. The car is driven only for pleasure, no racing or rallies.

Thanks, John
jjb Backman

Avoid Apple Hydraulics like the plague. $.03 -- Review the archives.

Larger bushing might be good. Hell, any bushings might be good, as the original units had no bushings. Then again, my original shocks seem to have lasted 20 to 30 years, and a pair of NOS shocks has been in service for 10 years and 100,000 miles with no problem.

Rebuilding is not terribly expensive, so for an old car with unknown history and one bad shock it may be prudent to do both. The primary problem is leaky seals, old is old, and seals die of old age as much as from wear.

For good shock rebuild service with lifetime warrantee, goto World Wide Auto Parts -- http://www.nosimport.com
Barney Gaylord

Thanks Barney,

Since she is nearing the half-century mark, next March 6th to be exact, some TLC for the front dampers would be in order. WWAP is less expensive than Apple to boot.

John
jjb Backman

I vote for WWAP too.
dominic clancy

Yes, yes, yes! to World Wide. I love what they did.

NO! NO! NO! to Apple....too many horror stories.

GTF
G T Foster

Another vote for WWAP. Peter Caldwell gave us a tech talk at Spridget 50 and showed us his work. The original arms rotated directly against the zinc shock body, Peter machines the body oversize and installs both a delrin bushing, but also a lip type seal in place of the original packing type seal. Better than new both in action and sealing.
Bill Young

John,
You can replace both "seals" with modern lip seals for about $10 each shock if your shaft is not scored. You must press the shaft out of the shock body after you have marked the relative position of the shaft to the piston cam so you can reinstall in that position. Remove the origional metal outer caps and replace the seals. You may or maynot be able to reuse the metal caps. If the main shaft is scored you will have to use speedy sleeves or send it out to WWAP. Have a good day!

John
John Progess

No personal experiance with apple. I reccomend WWAP highly.
R J Brown

Another thumbs up for WWAP and a thumbs down for Apple - based on personal experience. WWAP will powder coat the arms upon request if desired. They are very customer satisfaction oriented.

Randy Myers
Randy Myers

I've had my shocks, MGA and TD, rebuilt by both Apple and WWAP and carbs for both rebushed by Apple. No complaints on either. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

No personal experience with Apple. Based on past comments on this site, I went to WWAP for rebuilt dampers for the front of my car. No regrets. I'll go back to them if/when my rear dampers require attention.
Andy Bounsall

can someone tell us the part number for the modern replacement seals? thanks, Mark
M Wellard

I don't know about the part number for the seals, from the presentation Peter gave at Spridget 50 I remember he said that he couldn't find a seal that fit both the bore and the shaft well, it was either slightly underside or slightly oversize. He uses a custom made speedy sleeve on the shafts for the seal surface so the seals he uses fit precisely. He also had to make jigs to be able to press out the shafts without damaging the shock body and then press them back in. I realize that you're "down under" and the shipping would be high, but I recommend you drop Peter an e-mail and see if he will give you some pointers as to the methods and parts he uses to rebuild shocks.
Bill Young

I second, third, and fouth that for WWAP! Super fast turnaround, great communication, reasonable prices and shipping, and best of all no leaks! Geez, sounds like Ebay feedback, but all true!

Tom
Tom Baker

Mark,
The National Federal Mogul numbers for front shocks are 471267 (.875 x 1.375 x .25) and 470954 (.750 x 1.25 x .25). The dimensions are in inches for seal I.D. x seal O.D. x thickness. Have a good day!

John
John Progess

This thread was discussed between 16/11/2008 and 19/11/2008

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