c2 F41 shocks

[Charles M.]

i am the fortunate caretaker of a 19000 mile 67 coupe, the car is missing the shocks and i not only do not know what they look like but i have no idea how to find them. i am sure it won't be easy but then most things worthwhile are not easy.ANY help ill be cincerely appreciated. thank you

[Joe L.]

Re: c2 F41 shocks

charles------

It's quite easy to tell you what you're looking for. These are front shocks with a part number of GM #3171488 (on the shock) and rear shocks of GM part number of GM #3171489 (on the shock). IN SERVICE, these shocks were known as GM # 3166559 (on the box; shock within was GM #3171488) and GM #3166560 (on the box; shock within was GM #3171489). These shocks have a tube section which is 2-5/16" OD and is larger than stock shocks and also larger than later (after mid 1969) F-41 PRODUCTION shocks and 63+ SERVICE F-40/F-41 shocks after 1969. The rear shocks have no debris guard (tube which protects the shock rod).

The hard part is going to be where to find any. Most of the F-41 shocks that I have seen available for sale fall into 2 categories:

1) USED original shocks, or
2) later SERVICE F-40/F-41 shocks

Used original shocks often sell on eBay for about $2,000 per car set. These shocks may be ok for a non-driven, "trailer queen" type car. For a DRIVEN car, a used shock is worthless, in my opinion. You don't suppose that the person that removed them from the car did so because they were just fine, do you? Even if they came off of a wrecked car, the chances are that a good portion of their service life was "used up".

Later SERVICE shocks can often be had for a lot less money. In fact, the rear shocks are still available from GM under GM #4940459. Their configuration differs somewhat from the original 63-E69 F-40/F-41 shocks, though.

VERY, VERY RARELY will an original set of NOS SERVICE F-40/F-41 shocks be seen available for sale. When they are found, expect prices in the range of $5,000 to $10,000 for a car set with "good" dates. It's a VERY, VERY foolish way to spend money, but there are a few folks out there willing to "ante up".