GM #3171489 was the rear shock absorber used in PRODUCTION for 1963-72 Corvettes with F-40/F-41 suspension. This shock absorber has no upper barrel shield for the shock rod and has the characteristic "coulee hat" below the upper shock eyelet.
Recently, I saw an "NOS" example of one of these sell on eBay for $611. Now, this was not for a pair of shocks, mind you; just a SINGLE, possibly NOS example.
GM SERVICE replacements for the HD rear shocks remain available under GM #4940459. These shocks are configured very close to the originals except for 3 things:
1) they are painted black out-of-the-box. Repainting to the correct color, if necessary (65-72 models)is quite easy;
2) the "numbers" and "dates" stamped on the shock are incorrect;
3) the configuration of the "coulee hat" is a bit different than the originals; it is smaller in OD and "flatter". A clever restorer might be able to reconfigure or replace the "coulee hat", though.
GM list for the above shock is about $82, but they can be obtained for quite a bit less.
In any event, paying $611 for ONE shock absorber has to represent just about the "highest dollar cost per judging point" in the history of Corvette restoration. And, 3 other "correct" shocks still need to be obtained. If very many of the pieces for this restoration are purchased at priceslike these, then someone is going to have about $200,000 in a car which could likely be purchased already restored for $75,000 or less.
Recently, I saw an "NOS" example of one of these sell on eBay for $611. Now, this was not for a pair of shocks, mind you; just a SINGLE, possibly NOS example.
GM SERVICE replacements for the HD rear shocks remain available under GM #4940459. These shocks are configured very close to the originals except for 3 things:
1) they are painted black out-of-the-box. Repainting to the correct color, if necessary (65-72 models)is quite easy;
2) the "numbers" and "dates" stamped on the shock are incorrect;
3) the configuration of the "coulee hat" is a bit different than the originals; it is smaller in OD and "flatter". A clever restorer might be able to reconfigure or replace the "coulee hat", though.
GM list for the above shock is about $82, but they can be obtained for quite a bit less.
In any event, paying $611 for ONE shock absorber has to represent just about the "highest dollar cost per judging point" in the history of Corvette restoration. And, 3 other "correct" shocks still need to be obtained. If very many of the pieces for this restoration are purchased at priceslike these, then someone is going to have about $200,000 in a car which could likely be purchased already restored for $75,000 or less.