Thanks for the note on the shocks. Based on what they look like, and searching on the net, they’re Houdailles. What they’re filled with, I can’t say yet. I’m finding they used 3 different fluids. Glycerin, Caster Oil, and the 3rd eludes me at the moment. Might just be hydraulic oil, but can’t recall.

I did find that I could purchase new…[Read more]

The shocks in my ’49 Model 201 are made by Houdaille. If you search, you’ll find a few sites about rebuilding them. Apple Hydraulics will do it for you. I called them, because I’m thinking of getting a set for the rear of my truck. (Mine only came with them on the front.) He talked like he was familiar with the DT shocks, and it sounded like a…[Read more]

The shocks in my ’49 Model 201 are made by Houdaille. If you search, you’ll find a few sites about rebuilding them. Apple Hydraulics will do it for you.

I think I read the fluid is glycol, for a pretty consistent viscosity throughout the temperature range.

FWIW, mine have probably never been serviced and seem fine, although my grandfather did…[Read more]