I've been told that the Armstrong/Lovejoy lever shocks used on the rear of MG's will work on early Fords. Has anyone ever done this or have any information? I don't want tube shocks on the front end of my 32 and thought this may be a good alternative. Thanks for any help Jim
A good source of MG shocks, they rebuild them for other retailers, and other parts is MG Limited. 414-529-3200
Apple Hydraulics may have info Also my Midgets were r/r at Roadstar Nelson in Sacramento Ca area. That was ten yrs ago and they had options then to revalve to tune them. They are typically replaced with tube shock conversions from Moss or victoria British
Some of the British shocks are aluminum and have been used in the past. I see nos ones for sale at times on the auction site.
Mike Thanks so much for the pictures. That's exactly what I am looking for. I was concerned that the shock body might hit the fenders, but it appears that they'll clear. Now, I just have to find the model that will work. Thanks again. Wisdonm Thanks for the resource Anyone else with any info? Jim
I run a set on the back of my tub.Apple rebuilt them and they perform perfectly,and were easy to set up.
Anyone have an idea of the model(s) of shocks shown in the pics? Like what were they from? Thanks for all the ***ist Jim
http://www.corporationwiki.com/California/West-Sacramento/roadstar-nelson-corporation/40546571.aspx Check MGB listings - call Moss in Sou Cal they have a tech guy that can spec you out
I think B*** said his were "lovejoy" I think, and Kirk's are Armstrong. With the Armstrongs, it seems like they are all similar. The arms vary some, but I imagine you may have to modify them anyways. There are tons of them on epay. Search "Austin or MG Shocks" or "Armstrong shocks" The ones listed as Austin Healy shocks seem to be the closest to what I need. The arm is a bit shorter and seems to curve more outward instead of inward. I could be wrong though. Rod and Custom put some on a modified project they are doing. They had some cool shocks with a curved arm that they mounted going over the rearend. Not sure what those ones are from.
If you are refering to the perch bolts, those are 32-34 with the mech. brake actuator shaft support arm removed.
They are off several different British cars of the fifties and sixties. MGBs and Midgets seem to be the easiest to find these days. I know that the most popular back in the day came off the backs of the Midgets.
One of my MG buddies might have a pair from when he went to gas shocks. IM me if you want me to check for you. ~ Carl
I've got a spare pair off my 57 MG in the garage if you need some measurements, 56-62 MGA are all the same, can't speak to the T-series or Midget. I've had excellent service from Apple Hydraulics in NY also.
MGB are the best,good size twin piston,alum main case that can be painted or polished up some,if a like some shiny as I do
Triumph TR3's use the same model that will work well with any buggy spring as that's what they were designed for....you can find new or rebuilt ones on ebay. I'd go with a quality rebuild as 'new' often means China/India and the quality might not be there
****, owner of MG Ltd. says, "Will sell rebuilts,for $65 each. Can valve them many ways. For front or rear." Call 262-529-3200 for info.
You'll find that although they all look the same, there are a couple of different sizes. I know that the armstrongs from a MG midget are the best fitting and working for an early Ford front application. I do know that the MGB stuff is just a bit bigger. I'm not sure on the rest of the models.
I'm curious--what's the advantage to the Brit lever shocks versus American-made units, like from a '54 Buick rear? -Brad
I always used the Midget rears, (longer arms) easy to mount and rebuild, the horizontal lines seemed to flow better on open wheeled cars. Still have pair put back.
For me it was size and performance. Meaning I didn't need a giant shock for my lightweight car. Plus, to me, they look a little more exotic.
What a good idea, I have a 64 Midget under a cover in the backyard and didn't even think about them. Have a friend who parts out MG's so I am sure I'll be able to pickup a pair cheap from him.
Unfortunately my dad drags me to an import show the same day Another great show is running ,We go to the cool show first and then to the import show,Anyway Theres always 2 styles of shocks always for sale ,Big and little....Im referring to the housing ..........
You'd have a helluva time topping up the fluid, for one thing. The filler is on the side, at the top (working from memory here, it's been 20+ years since I owned an MG).
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