Classic/Antique Car Repair: lever action shocks, Servicing lever action shock absorbers.

Question
I have 49 packard and would like to know how to change fluid in the shocks and how full to fill them?

Answer
These lever shocks are not serviced by changing the fluid - there is no drain plug on them.  You can replenish the fluid if it is low by putting shock fluid into the filler plug on top of the device.

There is no particular trick to this - the hole is small so you have to use an oil gun with a very small nozzle to avoid spilling fluid, and it helps to do a small amount at a time to allow the displaced air to escape.  Sometimes jouncing the front end as you fill them helps to expel the air bubbles.

If your shocks are losing fluid, they will need to be taken off the car and sent away for rebuilding.  There are at least two vendors who provide this service - 5 Points Auto Shocks, and Apple Hydraulics are the two I can think off off hand.  A search of the Hemmings Motor News Services offered web site will bring up links to vendors for this sort of repair.

Dick