Shocks

I bought a 54 Olds on Craigslist a few weeks ago after looking around for about a year. I started without any brand or model in mind and narrowed it down to just a few. Dozen. But I have always been drawn to these.

I took it right away to a shop and had them re-build the transmission. They said they had a transmission guy who just retired, but he learned on 50s cars.

They called me yesterday to tell me it was ready, but that the previous owner had removed the rear shocks and replaced them with some kind of block. The mechanic said he thought it was pretty bouncy. Is that a botched lowering, or a common practice?

I found some replacements on Kanter, but there were several styles. I like the lowered look, but don't want to leap into bags just yet. The shop can do them for me, but I am also wondering if this is a good or bad first project. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

Had a 52 Olds that had hydraulic lever shocks...not sure if the 54 had those, but if it did and they are gone..you may as well replace with some normal tube shocks..do some measuring (IE short/long; style of mount,stud or loop,etc.) and get a shock parts book or have a partsman look up by your measurements...Olds are great cars,stay with it

 

Thanks. I have the shop manual. I will see what I can figure out. I thought there might be brands that people recommend. I know I can look that kind of thing up on Google, but I would rather ask people I trust. I am trying to decide between Pleasuride or gas shocks. Can shock length lower the car at all?

Is it just a matter of bolting them in? I just paid more for the transmission overhaul than for the car--I wouldn't mind saving a few bucks. I don't have a lift.