C-3 Shocks

[Gerald A.]

Is there anybody or a company that restores orgional shocks. Does anyone sell reproduction dated shocks.

Thanks
Gerald

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Shocks

Gerald-----

I know of no one that currently rebuilds and/or restores monotube type shocks (i.e. the type used on ALL Corvettes). As far as I know, there are currently no reproduction shocks available for Corvettes. I understand that reproduction shocks have become available for other Chevrolet models. If so (I have yet to see one), then I would expect that shocks for Corvettes might be soon available.

[Stephen B.]

Re: C-3 Shocks

Does GM still make replacement shocks for C-3's?

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Shocks

Bunky-----

Delco still offers shocks for 1963-82 Corvettes. However, the shocks are not manufactured by GM or DELPHI. They are manufactured by either Monroe (Federal Mogul) or Gabriel (Arvin-Meritor) and Delco-branded. They are not configured just like original shocks. Still, they are very decent shocks and, configuration-wise, are as close as you're going to get to originals. Delco #530-315, front, and 530-4, rear.

[Stephen B.]

Re: C-3 Shocks

Are there any differences with regard to F-41, standard suspensions, etc?

[Joe L.]

Re: C-3 Shocks

Bunky------

Different shocks were originally used for standard or F-40/F-41/FE-7 suspension. For the fronts, the 530-315 replaces both the standard and HD shocks. For the rears, the HD shock is still available under GM #4940459, although it's not configured exactly like originals.

[Duke W.]

Re: C-3 Shocks

I believe OE shocks of the C-2/3 era are referred to as "twin tube" - conventional non-pressurized hydraulic shocks. "Monotube" is used to describe high pressure (300 psi) deCarbon pressurized shocks like Bilsteins. They are also sometimes called "gas shocks" but use oil under the high pressure to achieve design damping. Having the oil at high pressure reduces caviatation when they are worked hard, which reduces "shock fade".

There are also some twin-tube shocks that use low pressure gas pressurization.

Duke