Topic: Houdaille Shock ident mystery


Mtpockets335    -- 02-01-2018 @ 8:24 AM
 
Greetings all

When I finally sorted out all the baskets that came with my 'basket case' 42 Fordor, there were a few oddballs stowed away in there.

The pics below are of a pair of Houdaille shocks. They are marked '19 42Z' and there is also a triangle with a three next to it.

They both have square filler plugs, and due to the plug positions, look as if they would mount on top of a structure.

There is a different type of lever arm on each shock, and a flimsy looking rod arm with adjustable ends.
One of the rod ends looks like it might go onto a ball end arrangement.

I know they don't belong on a '42 Ford, and I can't find any similar pictures on the web.

I need help to solve this mystery - any takers?
MT




Mtpockets335    -- 02-01-2018 @ 8:26 AM
  photo of lever arm with P4022 stamped on it


Mtpockets335    -- 02-01-2018 @ 8:27 AM
  photo of rod attached to lever arm


Mtpockets335    -- 02-01-2018 @ 8:28 AM
  photo of the two shocks showing numbers in casting


kubes40    -- 02-01-2018 @ 10:15 AM
  If the bodies have a diameter of 2 7/8" they are 1940. The arms and rods appear to have been home made for some sort of dampening effect - I doubt an automotive application.

If the bodies are 3 1/4" diameter they are '41 - '48.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth


Mtpockets335    -- 02-02-2018 @ 10:14 AM
  Thanks Mike

The body diameter is 3 1/4 inch, so they must be 41 - 48, just with different arms.

I can't imagine what the rod and clevis arrangement was designed for - certainly not any sort of rapid, high load application. How about something to snub a soft top roof mechanism?

More photos of the shocks from my 42 rear end - check out the grease nipple mod . Have you seen anything similar?

MT


Mtpockets335    -- 02-02-2018 @ 10:15 AM
  Another photo of shock with grease nipple mod.


kubes40    -- 02-02-2018 @ 11:08 AM
  I've seen shocks with a grease fitting before. I suspect many folks erroneously believed these were to be (re)filled with grease.

Mike "Kube" Kubarth


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