After spending 6 hours yesterday researching shocks I finally found some KYB shocks (part number KG5552 at Advance Auto Parts) for the rear of my 1961 544.
I also found that all bushings for front and rear suspension in urethane are available at IPD but are not listed in the online catalog. You have to order them by phone.

Now to what I need to research the front shocks.
1. the distance from the center of the mounting loops compressed and the distance extended.
2. the width of the mounting bushing and the diameter of the bushing hole.
3. any part numbers stamped into the body of the shock. The more people with different part numbers the better.
When I find a good shock replacement for the front shocks I will post the part number(s) and wher they can be purchased.
Thanks
Ray J.

Carrea makes very good gas shocks for the PV - we use them on our race car. They are adjustable and even chrome plated. Around a $100.00 apiece. Let me know if you wanr parts #s.

the book says they are double acting shocks, don't know if that makes a difference

BT,DT.
See your friendly Volvo dealer or parts supplier.
Ask for 544 front shocks.
--
Jim McDonald

Amen! I doubt the performance increase measures up to the extra $$$ one shells out for the fancier brands. That is probaby not true for other Volvos, but in the case of PVs, I'd use the money saved as a down payment on IPD sway bars.
Bob S.

Or if you want to pay more/get more get some Bilsteins from KgTrimning or CVI.

If you did find something that pyhysically fits on the front end but isn't specifically made for the PV it might not work well. The odd way the shock is mounted between the upper and lower A-arms means there isn't much travel so the shock is probably valved unusually stiff for such a light car and small shock.

I'm not kidding; I really looked at the specs for every @#$&* shock made by the ususal USA manufacturers and nothing fits.
'39-~57 Chrysler products used the same front suspension design, and you can't even get shocks for them through the usual channels.
ipd has Konis, and other brands are available in europe.
--
Jim McDonald