C1 1958, harsh ride

[terry leeker]

In a previous post, I lamented the very hash ride I'm getting with the new shocks (AC Delco, CC set pn 571092). The car is a recent frame off rebuild with all new suspension parts, new '58 spring up front and re-arched originals on back. As I recall it road better with the beat-out shocks than it does now. My question, has anyone one tried an adjustable ride shock and if so the brand and PN? Also, any word on the availability of the repo spiral shock I keep seeing posts on?

[Dave Suesz]

Hard core performance is NOT what I wanted, so...

I pulled some old very stiff replacements off my car and installed Delco gas shocks on my 55. The car rides MUCH better now. The old shocks would not allow a "bounce test", where you push down to see if they work- it wouldn't go down. The new Delcos are smooth, firm, and no bounce, and MUCH softer than the old ones. A real "cruise night" ride.

No recent word on the spirals, they basically had to go back to the drawing board due to an internal valve problem. I just checked their website, and they are not yet available. Haven't called them lately, I'll try to talk to them soon.

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 1958, harsh ride

I've met vary few people that put repro front coil spring in that were happy with the ride . I think they are made heaver then the original ones and make the Corvette ride higher ,( they will not compress) ( to many restored C1's I've seen set to high up front, having repro springs) plus stay away from heavy duty shocks.Unless the old front springs are broken , I've never seen the reason to change them.
C2's have the same problem with them . They have the same height but don't compress right. I would like to see some one measure the spring compression rate compared to the original one ( like checking valve springs) so that we would all have the answer .
That is my answer to many people that ask when they say BUT the height and diameter is correct
I dont think they are repro's , but come from another make of CAR which in turn is heavier up front then a Corvette which would compress down more!.
My 2 cents.

[kenneth bingener NCRS#38563]

Re: C1 1958, harsh ride

Terry, I have KYB gas shocks and they work fine. Sounds like it might be the springs. Good luck. Ken

[terry leeker]

Re: C1 1958, harsh ride

With the new replacement (Corvette Central) springs the ride height is right on the money. I might just try a different set of front shocks as suggested in the above post. Thanks all for the response.