Bill,
Just yesterday I found a front Armstrong leaking on my TD. I rang up
Peter Caldwell, World Wide Auto, who rebuilt the rear Armstrongs four or
five years ago. Peter says that right now there is about a three day
turnaround at World Wide. Cost is less than $100. When I can sneak out
of the office today to unbolt the pair, I'll send both of mine to him as
the front end is apart at the moment for replacement of the A-arm
bushings. With V8 bushings this time.
800-362-1025. Ask for Peter Caldwell.
My guess is that the TD's Armstrongs cost more to rebuild than later
ones because they are older and fewer in number, thus repair parts are
made in shorter batches. Perhaps they are more complicated internally.
Whatever, once rebuilt, they are better than new as the seals are modern
and effective.
Girlings are more difficult to work on, according to Peter, and he
told me (I asked) that parts must be made to World Wide's order for them.
You could bolt on the ones you have, if you can get them open to check
fluid levels, but the Armstrong-equipped cars had a relief in the fenders
to accept Armstrongs, and the Girling won't look right, although it will
function OK.
Bob
On Mon, 10 May 2004 16:09:30 -0400 William T Snyder <wtsnyder@juno.com>
writes:
> I've run into an unexpected snag during my '53 TD restoration. One of
> my
> Armstrong front shocks is leaking badly. I can't currently afford
> the
> $165 each rebuild price charged by Apple Hydraulics. I also have an
> old
> pair of Girlings that seem to work well, but are rusted to the point
> that
> I can't get them open to check fluid levels, etc. Can anyone suggest
> any
> less expensive alternatives? Does anyone have a pair of good working
> spares that they would part with for a reasonable price? Does anyone
> know
> why it costs almost three times as much to rebuild a front Armstrong
> TD
> shock as it does a front Armstrong MGB shock?
>
> Thanks in advance.
> Bummed out at the moment.
>
> Bill Snyder
> Waynesville, NC 28786
> '53 TD under construction
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