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monty1

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Just joined- newbie! about 30 yrs in and out of construction, mechanicing, welding, metal fab, this and that. Presently work for large east coast road contractor in one of thier pits. Maintainand repair crushers, gravel plant, and two blacktop plants. Thourghly enjoy my present position- plan on retiring here.
But on to my question- I have a 1961 BT7 that I am starting into restoring. A lot of work was done about ten years ago. It will all have to come apart- I just don't know the level of skill of previous owner. Then I know exactly what I have. What can I use for front shock oil? ATF, 30w, 50w? The car hasn't run for at least ten yrs, and hasn't been registered since the late '60s.
Thanks in advance Herb
 
Moss Motors sells shock absorber fluid (part # 220-304) for about $10. Some people have substituted motor oil when the shocks have become worn to firm up the resistance, but one would probably be better off having the shocks rebuilt. I had World Wide Auto Parts in Madison, Wisconsin do mine and they did a great job.
 
Hi Monty1, Engine oil should never be used in the shocks, If a Motorcycle shop is handy to you get a bottle of their 20W fork oil for the shocks.--FWIW---Keoke
 
[ QUOTE ]

Hi Monty1, Engine oil should never be used in the shocks, If a Motorcycle shop is handy to you get a bottle of their 20W fork oil for the shocks.--FWIW---Keoke

[/ QUOTE ]
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif
Welcome to the forum Monty, you indeed have found the right place for answer's. Keoke is right on. I've used the motorcycle shock oil for a long time. You can buy other viscosity but the 20w seems to work well and looks good on the garage floor. Also, I stopped using 90w oil in the steering box and replaced with grease, just filled it up, it doesn't leak out and still turns great. Of course if you like to clean oil up on the floor stay with the oil.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Hi Monty1, Engine oil should never be used in the shocks, If a Motorcycle shop is handy to you get a bottle of their 20W fork oil for the shocks.--FWIW---Keoke

[/ QUOTE ]
I stopped using 90w oil in the steering box and replaced with grease, just filled it up, it doesn't leak out and still turns great. Of course if you like to clean oil up on the floor stay with the oil.

[/ QUOTE ] /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gifThe gears in the steering box will push the grease out of the way and eventually you will incur a lot of wear. I suggest you put Lucas 90/140Wt gear oil in the box I don't think it will leak out either--FWIW---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif
 
Thanks for the info!- shocks look new but are dry, have the 4-5 bounce action by hand, just would like to see if they will work - rebuild/replace.
 
World Wide states that the shocks will not leak again once they rebuild them. Correctly working shocks should not allow the car to bounce much beyond the initial rebound when you push down on the car.
 
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