C1 Spiral shocks ??

[John A. Salce (#21388)]

I am in the middle of a debate about when spiral shocks were used/not used on C1s. Can someone please give me definitive information on when they where used and not used? I specifically would like to know for my 1959, but my buddies have other year C1s and they are curious as well. Thank you! John

[Mike E.]

Re: C1 Spiral shocks ??

Not on 62's.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Spiral shocks ??

NCRS Judging Guides indicate the standard shocks were in spiral tubes through 1958 with non-spiral cases beginning in the '69 MY.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Spiral shocks ??

our 61 rpo vet had its orig part # and dated NON SPIRAL shocks. boy, those convex surfaces are sure hard to restamp----only kidding. mike

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Spiral shocks ??

Thanks for catching my typo, Mike! Of course the reference to '69 MY is out in left field and I intended to type '59 MY....

You'll see a PN change from standard shocks being 5520278 & 5520279 on '58 and earlier cars to 5549904 & 5549905 in 1959 production. The later numbers are the first generation of non-spiral body shocks for Corvette. The '58-60 JG text reads:

"Lower shock bodies are spiral for 1958 (except RPO 684), and possibley very early 1959...."

Apparently the JG isn't ruling out the chances of the factory 'burning up' some left over '58 shock absorber inventory during/after model year change over.