In checking E-bay I often see Hassler shock absorbers for sale. Are they worth adding or is it just another unusual accessory for your car. Thanks, Steve

Steve,

In my opinion I don't think they are worth the effort to install. I know I am probably starting a war but it is just an opinion.

I like the effect Hassler shocks have on ride, but hate the damage they do to the lower body at the rear. Front Hasslers interfere with some of the original speedometer drives / cables. In my opinion the lever type shocks are better since they can be used with speedometers and don't damage the body.

Note that I am talking about the more common early type Hasslers. The later pancake types clear everything nicely. Wish someone would show me a picture of how the rears are installed......

"To each their own" Model T's were probably the most accessorised automobile in history. I personally have Hassler's on two of my T's and my wife has a set of fronts on her '25 Coupe. I didn't feel that they were anymore difficult to install than replacing a front spring or removing a rear axle assembly. The front perches can be obstinate to transpose occassionaly during Hassler assembly but if one follows the directions and has the proper tooling for the job - not too bad in my opinion.

Did you have a tough time at it Tim ?

Before you buy a set of accessory springs, try greasing between the leaves of your existing springs. Jack up the frame of your car a little to take some weight off the springs, then pry the ends of the springs apart enough to smear about a teaspoon full of grease under about the last 6" of the ends of each leaf (or as far as you can get the grease in). Use a thin stick or thin screwdriver to spread the grease around.
The difference in ride quality will be fantastic, but this needs to be done on a yearly basis and some people just don't like doing maintainence. If you don't have time to occasionally grease your springs, then buy some accessory shocks...

Model Ts all came with shock absorbers - the passengers!

I never did try to understand why, but removing the rear Hasslers on the Speedster made it ride better - softer. I've seen the fronts in action wtih fenders off, and they get a workout. . It may be less of a workout now, with Dyna-beads.

rdr

It may be worth remembering that Hassler Shocks are not Shocks, they are just more springs. They have the effect of changing the overall spring rate, not damping this action of the springs.

There are those who say that Hasslers actually increase the spring rate, but I do not know if that is true.

If Hasslers un soffen the ride, I am game. My rear springs have more then enough soft to them!

My centerdoor obviously is quite top-heavy. Using just the stock springs makes for a really bouncy and teetering ride. A little something I picked up from the MTFCAustralia was to fit a set of Mini dampers (shocks) to all four corners. That made a big difference as now the ride is smooth (relatively speaking, of course) and my T lost a lot of its titlting.
BTW, installation was bolt on, so easy to change back if so desired. You can see the front two in the photo:

Several years back I looked for mini-shocks that would fit inside the beehives, and gave up before I was told that the shocks at the back of big truck cabs should fit.

Has anybody looked into this?

rdr

Hi Steve, take a look at my posting 'Show off'dated January, 15th. I love the ride, and it only took me two hours to put them on. Yes I know its only a speedster but the ride is better, have rockies on the rear and can't put them on the rear.