What is a modern equivalent oil for the lever shocks, like the ones in my 32 PB?
Many years ago the fellow that rebuilt mine said to use hydraulic jack oil. So that is what I have in mine.
Come to think about it, I haven't checked them in years to see if they need topping up. I guess I should put that on my list of things to get around to.
You may want to check with Apple Hydraulics. They specialize in lever action shocks. Snyders Antique Auto Parts in Ohio also sells shock oil..
LR
I was told to use motorcycle fork oil.
The oils variously packaged as 'hydraulic jack oil' etc., if a good standard best quality make (not 'store brand' aka 'low bidder') are a light mineral oil with 'anti-foaming' additives for use in hydraulic systems, such as those on forklifts, tractors, and many varieties of industrial equipment.
Lever action shocks are just another form of hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly, so a best quality 'hydraulic system oil' is all thats really needed. If you've a source for 'Skydrol', the premium version used in aircraft hydraulic systems, so much the better.
(As a bit of trivia, back in the '60's, I had a 120 model Jaguar, which used lever action shocks on the back axle......I was told by some of the sporty car racing people that using 90W in the back shocks would 'stiffen the rear end up nicely' for better cornering at speed. I didn't do that cos I didn't have the nerve to run that fast.......but running a heavier oil, say a mixture of hydraulic oil with a bit of 'STP' oil thickener, could be helpful if your shocks are worn or leaky. This doesn't take the place of a proper rebuild, but for a car which sees relatively low road use, it may be a practical improvisation)
cheers
Carla