Singles shocks - the latest fool around project - Ducati.ms

SP3 · Apr 17th, 2011, 3:49 pm

Years ago, I rebuilt the shocks from my Monza. Back then, info was scarce so I ended up filling them with Dextron ATF. As full as I could get them. They 'felt' ok so that is the way the stayed. Working for a Champcar teams gets one access to a dyno. So, just for giggles Cole (main damper dude) and I ran them each through a few runs. Fun and funny.

Here I are roughly ten years down the road and I finally got off my ass and got to rebuilding the spare set I've had all along. These, I did a bit of polishing on but not too much. I haven't decided on rechroming the springs or powdercoating black (like last time) yet.

The other difference from the first set is that instead of filling completely with ATF, I used only 50ml (a number I found on the net somewhere) from my stash of 'good stuff'. In this case, Penske/Silkolene 5wt. Same stuff we used in the racecar dampers depending. I think I might give Cole a phone call.....

marret · Apr 28th, 2011, 1:42 pm

The shocks look good.

Do you know what brand they are?

SP3 · Apr 28th, 2011, 2:11 pm

Thanks for the compliment. Still can't decide on whether to rechrome the springs or just powder coat them. They are Marzocchi's.

marret · Apr 28th, 2011, 2:41 pm

That chrome or powdercoat question is a tough one. I personally think the chrome may take away from the polished shock body if that makes sense and powdercoating could provide a nice contrast. Color of the body parts and frame may have some bearing too and of course the look you are after.

Thanks for the shock make. I'm still trying to decide what to do about my Monza's shocks and really like the look of yours.

SP3 · Apr 28th, 2011, 3:12 pm

The shocks were die cast so they were 'shiny' when new. They get dull over time and I cleaned up the original set by hand rubbing them with wetted fine Scotchbrite pads. That makes them a matte finish and not shiny but the finish is consistent. I powdercoated the springs black even though they were originally chrome.

This set, I started the same way but after the Scotchbrite pad cleaning, I polished them lightly to try and mimick the die cast look. Not TOO shiny, just enough. They turned out pretty good, I think.

I had originally decided to powder coat the springs this time, too. But, then I found a NOS set in the Netherlands on ebay. In the end, I did not bid on them but it got me considering going back to the original chrome route.

Decisions, decisions.

sandman800ss · Apr 28th, 2011, 8:31 pm

One vote here for chrome springs, and I'm not usually a "chrome guy". I vote that way because they just look correct and original that way. Depends on how original your Monza is, I guess- if it's a custom modified special, black would then be the way to go...

It's always fun assembling the preload collars/balls, isn't it!

SP3 · Apr 29th, 2011, 10:10 am

Well, I am off in a minute or three to Summit Powder Coaters in Barberton (they did the other stuff for me years ago) for some items here at work but the springs are not going with. I am 99% sure I'm chroming this set. Wife is going to PA this weekend and Paul's Chrome in Evans City is nearby her parents. She might have a chore to do for me.