'55 front shocks

[iddie makel]

Good morning,
Does anyone have a number for front shocks on a '55 special? Thanks in advance for your replies.
iddie

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey Iddie

Those Front Shocks are hard to find.

Try the websites for the Major Manufacturers: Monroe, Gabriel ect.

If I have the choice I would try to get a set of Bilstiens. I think that they are the bet. They cost a bit more.

You could also try Buick World, Bob's Automobilia,Cars, Kanters etc.

There is also a place www.shockfinders.com They seem to be rather expensive.

Try These:

Just Suspension 973-808-0066

A & D Autoparts www.adantiqueautoparts.com 440-237-9300

The Shock People 888-674-6257

A-1 Shock Absorber Co. 800-344-1966

Coopers Vintage Auto Parts 818-567-4140

Rare Parts Inc. www.rareparts.com 800-442-6046

Shock Absorbers Obsolete 765-785-6284

Let me know how you make out.

If you are able to wait a few days I will be able to get you a Bilstien Part Number.
Regards,

Tom Gallagher

[Robert Bates]

Hey Tom,

Got old Beluah out today, after finishing the radiator/heater hose rebuild (hose from bottom of radiator to firewall is a real ***** it goes under the fender and only accessible from underneath) and took a nice long ride (after also changing the plugs so she would start) and found it is time for some suspension work. WOULD love to have those Bilstein # when you find them. Got the first big event of the year next weekend (The Daffodil Parade) so now I am just working on cleaning and decorating for the rest of this week. Also where is a good place to get new springs (front & rear) and rear shocks?

Is it OK to post some pics of the cars from the parade next week? If not email me and I will post some for all to see on a group email

Bob Bates

[rcull]

If you post in the showroom, you can try building your own Album. You do have limited space depending on your status, but you can upload an image for a while, then delete it and upload some another. Size is important if you wish to upload many images. If you don't have good computer image skills, I will be happy to help. Send images to admin teambuick.com

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey Bob

Glad you were able to give "Beluah" a test run today and get the bugs out!

I have been working and checking out the suspension on the '56 "Banshee" cleaning up all the grease Etc. for Chassis re-painting.
there are only 22 or 24 grease fittings on that front end. I'm lucky for a change. Mine is in great shape. Bearings and Brakes are fine, but I think the wheel cylinders are leaking. sitting idle for 35 years.

The best place to get springs is Eaton Springs www.eatonsprings.com they have all the original specs and blueprints and are licensed by GM.
It doesn't get much better than that.

Your Rear Lever-Actions Shocks will have to be rebuilt.
There are quite a few Vendors who supply this service.
I know Apple Hydraulics www.applehydraulics.com rebuilds lever action shocks $95 - $165.

That's all they do! and they are guaranteed. Give them a call
800-882-7753

Another place www.levershocks.com 888-auto-234

Just Suspension 973-808-0066

Vintage Parts House 215-348-1964

A & D Auto Parts. www.adantiqueautoparts.com 440-237-9300

A-1 Shock Absorber. Co 800-344-1966

Coopers Vintage Auto Parts 818-567-4140

Five Points Classic Auto Parts 714-979-0451

Rare Parts, Inc. www.rareparts.com 800-442-6046

This list could keep you buy for a while, and let your fingers do the walking.

A lot of these places coinside with the list of conventional tube shock vendors for the front shock vendors i have listed in the previous post so you may be able to strike up a deal.

I posted this list a few months ago but I never got any feedback as to what vendor the Fellow Team Buick Member used.

However, I know that You will get back to me as You have in the past to give me the low-down so we will have some dependable vendor to forward our business to in the future.

I have heard that Apple does a fabulous job. They rebuild everything heavy duty. They may cost a little more but I think the product is superior and they do give good service (quick turnabound) and guarantee their work.

With my '56 It was the first year of the conventional tubular shocks.
I could find front but not the rears and I looked all over since I wanted a matched set. I finally got mine from Buick World. I know Kanters has them but they will want to do your rears also which they send out and charge you for the middleman service.

It would be better to do one stop shopping.

When dealing with Eaton Spring they may know of a vendor who has the correct shocks for your application since the have the blueprints.

If You are interested, I know of a Fellow Buick Enthusiast who sells an upgraded Front Torsion Bar for the 1954 - 1956 Buicks.

"wwcorrigan1999" <wwcorrigan1999@...> schrieb:

--- In NailHeadBuick@yahoogroups.com, "Tom Gallagher" PapaThos@a...
wrote: Hi Tom, I'm the guy. The SWAY BARS are 1 1/8" and bolt
> > > right
> > > > on. They fit all series of 54-56 cars. They are $150 plus
> shipping.
> > > > I am in Monterey CA, 93950. Telephone 831 372 9204 or use this
> > > > email address. Thanks, Steve Dole
> > > > >
> > > > > Fellow Nailhead Enthusiast's:
> > > > >
> > > > > I believe that a Fellow Member, Manufactures/Produces Heavy
> > > Duty
> > > > > Sway Bars for 54 -56 Buicks.
> > > > > A Friend of mine may be interested in purchasing such an
> item.
> > > > > Can any Fellow Members supply me with more information such as
> a
> > > > > Name, E-mail, Address or Phone Number.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanking YOU in Advance for Your Usual Fine Cooperation and
>
> > > > > Timely Response Regarding this Matter.
> > > > >
> > > > > Tom Gallagher


It is considerably thicker, and is a direct "Bolt-On application.30 Minute installation. It doesn't effect the ride quality, but it does restrict the Roll, Pitch and Sway of these Big Boys


I guess it is Spring. The Daffodill Parade is the first event of the New Year!

Hope that You have some Good Weather.

How did Your Garage turn out?

A very wise investment indeed. I know it must have set you back some big bucks but it is worth every penny.

Regards,

Tom Gallagher

[34 Buick 61]

FYI I believe the '63-'65 Riv used the same front shock.

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey There 34 Buick 61

I see that You are a NEW MEMBER!

WELCOME ABOARD!

Thanks for forwarding to Us that Valued Information.

Don't be a Stranger.

Regards,

Tom Gallagher

[iddie makel]

Good morning Tom G and 34 Buick 61,
Tom you are so right.I'll be busy for a while checking out all of those leads.Thank you very much .34 Buick 61,I'll also check out your info.
iddie

[Robert Bates]

Tom:

The garage has worked excellent so far. The "Ole Girl" is out of the weather and staying dry. She seems happy, but her battery (which is 7 years old and in the car when I bought her) is not so happy. I have put a trickle charger on her and it is maintaining so far, but think that will be the next investment.

The car already has a front sway bar, but the one you describe sounds much thicker in diameter, so might work better. I definetely need new bushings and links if I don't replace the bar, but I need to get prices. Do you have his phone number or email address for contact purposes?

The next big project is going to be removal of body parts (fenders, hood, etc) so I can begin the body work. Going to do it a little bit at a time (fender off, cleaned, prepped, into primer, back on) so I can still drive the vehicle for the short summer season in the northeast.

Keep the shiny side up and the dirty side down

Bob Bates

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey Bob !

How You Doin?

Glad the garage is finished and everything sounds like it turned out "Splended"

After 7 Years, I don't think that your battery owes you anything.

I am usually able to get 5 years out of a battery on any car I have owned. Funny thing. They always do dead in the summer (Warm weather?) Who Knows.

I have the information that have regarding the Front Sway Bar.

It is 1 and 1/8 th inch in diameter and comes with all the bushings.

You still get the ride and the glide without the pitch, roll and sway!

The last price I was quoted was $150.00 bucks plus shipping

The guys name is Steve Dole e-mail: www.corrigan@yahoo.com
Phone:831-372-9204

Direct R & R Bolt-on Application.

I would also get a set of these while Your are installing the Sway Bar.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Both-...QQcmdZViewItem

Since they are an intrigal part of the Suspension ( King-Pins and Bushings)and you have to disassemble these parts, you might as well replace as new ( Good Product at cheep monely) and remove any potential headackes and failures and start with a clean slate. A complete new swaybar system with all new components. Giving You a fresh start! not having to do it again for 15-20 years (depensinding on used and maintenence. (Grease Fittings) A simple afternoon job which will give you closure in regard to that particular restoration procedure. And... one more problem put behind you.

When revoving the frnder do the Passanger side first. Not nearly as complicated.

Drivers side requires the removal of a lot of electrical components, Voltage regulator, wiring relays and a vacumn air cannister from the inner frned well. it appears simple but all the wiring and electricla support connections have to be supported due to rather fragile and brittle wiring harnesses which were originally designed to last only 10 to 12 years.

Hope this HELPS! in eslablishing a laundry list.

Regards,

Tom Gallagher