Carl, replacement shocks can easily be disguised as originals. The tube style shocks look the same.
I have never heard of tube type shocks being rebuildable. I believe they're welded together as a final assembly step.
But if you don't care about ride quality just leave them bolted on.
[on edit] I found
this. I know that your '52 probably didn't have Bilstein shocks on it originally, but the following probably applies:
Bilstein strut and shock rebuilds start at $250 per shock pending condition of damper upon inspection. If Bilstein still manufacture a kit for your car we recommend replacement with new Bilstein shocks Vs. rebuilding them.
