F-41 shocks

[Jeremy Hedges]

Is there anywhere or does anyone know how to decode a pair of F-41 shocks? That is to tell what year/car they came from?
Thanks

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Joe L.]

Re: F-41 shocks

Jeremy-----

It's usually pretty easy to determine the date of manufacture of Delco shocks, especially those made in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. They usually have a Julian date code (i.e. the consecutive day of the year) followed by a 2 digit code indicating the last 2 digits of the year.

The above only tells you the year that the shock was manufactured. It does not necessarily tell you what year car they were originally installed on or, even, if they were ever originally installed on a car.

I believe that some F-41 shocks MAY have used an alpha character to designate the month of manufacture. However, they still have the 2 digit year coding, which is the most important thing.

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: F-41 shocks

The judging manuals I have for the C2 cars have the part # for F40 and F41, but the C3 manuals (granted they are a little older ones) don't have a part number listed. Also, would it be in your best interest to buy and F41 shock that looks correct but with wrong part # and date? If my car was originally equipped. Or should I just wait for the shot in the dark of finding the right date and part # I need? This is a question reguarding what would be the best for judging points.

Jeremy
#31711

[Joe L.]

Re: F-41 shocks

Jeremy-----

The part numbers for the F-41 shocks were the same for 1963 through sometime during the 1969 model year and, perhaps, the entire 1969 model year.

I usually don't get into judging questions of this type. However, I would fully expect that, if the car was originally delivered with F-41 shocks, you'd be better off with SERVICE dated/configured shocks than you would with any other shocks I can imagine.

That being said, there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY that I'd be foolish enough to pay the huge prices that folks are getting for original dated shocks, F-41 and otherwise. The point value of the "dates" and "numbers" just does not justify this. In my mind, it's absolute idiocy, especially since most of the shocks I'm talking about are USED.

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: F-41 shocks

I agree, these things are going for ridiculous prices. I'm like you, the points don't justify the cost, unless you get a good deal.

Jeremy Hedges
#31711

[Joe L.]

Re: F-41 shocks

Jeremy-----

In my mind, a "good deal" on a set of USED shock absorbers would be no more than $100 for the car set. Anything more than that is absolutely ridiculous. However, I doubt that you'll find any for anywhere near that price.

[Jeremy Hedges]

Re: F-41 shocks

If I found any for that price I would probably turn around and sell them.

Jeremy

[Patrick H.]

Re: F-41 shocks

Joe,

I just got a set fo 4 for a very good price.
So, they can be had, even for less than the $100 you mention. I purchased them only for reference purposes since neither of my cars came with F-41. But the deal was too good to pass up.

Patrick

[Steve Pettit]

Re: F-41 shocks

I threw mine out before I knew about you guys.

[Dick W.]

Re: F-41 shocks

4 to 5k for a set of F-41's with desirable dates. Outta my range

[Patrick H.]

Re: F-41 shocks

Desirable meaning 1966 or 1967, correct?

$2500-3000 for a 1968 or 1969.

I haven't seen much post-69 demand (yet).

Patrick

[Dick W.]

Re: F-41 shocks

You ain't been a watchin' Ebay have you Patrick? Over 2k for a set of '69 FRONTS

[Patrick H.]

Re: F-41 shocks

Depends on the buyer and the seller.
And yes, I've been watching those L-88 owning nuts out there.

Patrick