66 Steering Dampener L79

[Rich G.]

There has been some discussion on this lately, so I thought I'd post what I found when I replaced my leaking dampener. The one I took off is marked near the fixed end "PLIACELL" then under that it says "3178100" and to the right of that it says "319-65". Under that line it says "DELCO PRODUCTS DAYTON OHIO USA".

It is painted gray, but half the circumference is oversprayed with black. The TM&JG says it is gray. Maybe over the years somebody sprayed black under the car. I assume the 319-65 is a date code and means the 319th day of 1965. Is that right? My car was built in early Feb of 66. Most of the glass is from November and December of 65, so that would make sense, I think.

Can these be rebuilt? It is a sealed unit, but someone told me they could be. Any comments?

Rich Giannotti

[Joe L.]

Re: 66 Steering Dampener L79

Rich-----

The markings you describe are typical for original steering shock absorbers. Considering the dating, which decodes as you have deduced, I fel confident that it's original to your car.

The black paint thet you have observed on the bottom of the piece is likely chassis black out that may have been applied at St Louis when the car was built.

The construction of these shock absorbers is very similar to suspension monotube type shock absorbers. No one currently rebuilds either, as far as I know. I'd keep it, though, in case such a service becomes available in the future. I think you'll be waiting a LONG while.

[Rich G.]

Re: 66 Steering Dampener L79

Thanks Joe. I'll keep it. It will give me something to look forward to! :-)

Rich Giannotti