The Official 356Talk Forum

I'm looking for a set of shocks for my 53 and the only brand I can locate is Koni. Does anyone know of another option?

Thanks
Frank

Those are the only ones available from what I know Frank.

FWIW, the Porsche pre-A shocks were identical to the VW Beetle ones used through Sep 1952. 26x90mm. In Oct 1952 VW increased travel on their shocks to 130mm, but Porsche stuck with the 90mm travel for the rest of pre-A production. These were two-way oil shocks.

For 1951-55, the original ones were Fichtel & Sachs - fronts black and rears reddish-orange. Boge were an option in 1955.

Koni is the only brand that makes these shocks today as far as I know. And they're very good.

I believe that Koni is having their annual sale right now. If so now would be a good time to buy them. Check their website

Forgot to mention. I own some original Pre-A shocks and can take pictures if needed.

James and Joris

Thanks for the valuable info! Yes, Koni is having a sale and I will order a set today. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

Frank

Joris

Could you post to the thread for reference?

My 53 is a mild Outlaw, with all things considered I think Koni would be the best choice for me. I’m sure someone with a bone stock Pre A would love to have a set of your original shocks!

Many thanks
Frank

Later Koni shocks for sale for $99 each and free shipping
http://www.lmperformance.com/shop.asp?m ... popularity

1951-55 $110 each
http://www.lmperformance.com/shop.asp?m ... popularity

Here's a photo of the original shocks from a friend's early 1953 coupe. Black fronts, reddish-orange rears. And lots of rust on these ones. Mine are the same, as are a few others I've seen. Mine are date stamped 6 53 on the lower attachment point. These F&S 26x90 shocks were the standard set from at least 1952 through 1954. Same physical dimensions front and rear, just a different dampening rate.

I know Boge shocks were optional by 1955 once they introduced the front sway bar.

Mark

Killer price on the shocks! They are even a bit cheaper than buying directly from Koni with the rebate and shipping. Too bad I order mine before I saw this but hopefully it will help someone else.

Frank

James

Thanks for posting the pic. I can only guess the different colors were for the workers to quickly distinguish front and rear?

Frank

who has the sale on koni Shocks ?

Jim

Koni is offering a rebate. Here is the link http://koni-na.com/

Mark has a link in his post that is offering a good deal too.

Frank

Frank, yes different colors front and rear. Following VW practice, to tell them apart easily. Recall these were the exact same shocks used on VW Beetles. Front and rears also had different part numbers stamped into them, but those are exceedingly hard to read after years on the road and lots of surface rust.

James

James,
I still have the Sachs shocks you pictured still fitted to my car, however the damping is now very poor.
Are they rebuildable as I am trying to keep the car as original as possible.
Thanks Rob

Hi Rob,

Yes, the F&S can be rebuilt, but not easily. This link will give you an idea.

http://www.samsgarage.org/projects/1950 ... ch-tlumicu

I believe Joris has rebuilt a set of the 356A ones, so he has some first-hand experience. Perhaps he can comment.

I'm planning on rebuilding the ones off my '53 coupe too. What year is your car? Are your shocks black up front and red/orange in the back?