Close to original Shocks for a 71

[Mick D.]

[Joe L.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

Hi folks,

I’ve been looking around a lot at what my shock options are for originality and they are pretty slim.

I received a 4 point deduction during judging for the ones that are on it right now - they are KYB in the correct color, but not dated or stickered.

It seems to me that it’s a lot of effort to go through to get 4 points back but I also just like the idea of originality - if I can afford it. I have no build sheet, it is an LT-1 so I could go with F41 also (I think) given I (or anyone else) have no idea what was on it.

I’ve seen a few options

1. Old shocks dated correctly (I saw a mid 70s set with some life left in them

2. Repro shocks although I had heard folks had issues with one of the main vendors delivering.


What are your thoughts?

Mick

Mick------


F-41 suspension for 1971 LT-1 was limited to and included only with those cars with ZR-1 option.

[Tim G.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

I'd use a Delco set from the 80's that have the correct configuration if you want the least expensive option. I've got Dan Patch shocks on a '67 and they are fine, it takes about two months to get them. He advertises in Driveline.

[Mick D.]

Mick------


F-41 suspension for 1971 LT-1 was limited to and included only with those cars with ZR-1 option.

[Gary B.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

You are correct. I'll make the addition in the next Revision of the manual.
Gary Bosselman
70-72 TIM&JG Coordinator

[Mick D.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

Thank you for confirming Gary! And yes I think it would be good to add it to the manual as there was another post I read where someone mentioned F41 didn't matter if you had no build sheet

You are correct. I'll make the addition in the next Revision of the manual.
Gary Bosselman
70-72 TIM&JG Coordinator

[Gary B.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

I'd use a Delco set from the 80's that have the correct configuration if you want the least expensive option. I've got Dan Patch shocks on a '67 and they are fine, it takes about two months to get them. He advertises in Driveline.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

You are correct. I'll make the addition in the next Revision of the manual.
Gary Bosselman
70-72 TIM&JG Coordinator

I thought that we had extensive discussion previously suggesting no F-41 at all in 1971?

[Joe L.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

I thought that we had extensive discussion previously suggesting no F-41 at all in 1971?

Patrick-------

I don't recall that discussion but I may have missed it. However, consider this: what the ZR-1 option was is mostly F-41. Without it, how would a "regular" LT-1 differ from a ZR-1 LT-1? The only differences would have been the M-22 transmission, J-56 brakes, and HD aluminum radiator.

As a matter of fact, the ZR-1 option was kind of a "rip-off" as the above referenced components (as upgrades over standard equipment) + F-41 suspension was not worth 1,000 bucks.

[Joe L.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

All------


Here is an example of a later GM SERVICE rear shock absorber. This one is GM #4975487. This shock was once available under that part number and, later, under GM #22011967. The latter is now long-since GM discontinued. The front shocks were GM #4975486. I have those too but they're more difficult for me to get at so, for now, they'll have to go un-pictured. Suffice it to say that all of the aforementioned shocks are virtually identical in configuration to the original 1968-71 standard shocks. Of course, the part numbers and dates are non-original. But, paint these shocks the appropriate gray and they'll be hard to distinguish from the originals.

By the way, the above-referenced shocks are the oil-filled type, as-original. Later GM released gas shocks of virtually the exact same configuration. I'll post photos and part numbers of those at some later time.


DSCN4183.jpgDSCN4184.jpgDSCN4185.jpg

[Patrick H.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

For those who wonder, the current ACDelco are nothing more than black relabeled Gabriel shocks. These are easily distinguishable from originals.

[Mick D.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

Great info Joe, thanks very much again. All going into my notes folder

All------


Here is an example of a later GM SERVICE rear shock absorber. This one is GM #4975487. This shock was once available under that part number and, later, under GM #22011967. The latter is now long-since GM discontinued. The front shocks were GM #4975486. I have those too but they're more difficult for me to get at so, for now, they'll have to go un-pictured. Suffice it to say that all of the aforementioned shocks are virtually identical in configuration to the original 1968-71 standard shocks. Of course, the part numbers and dates are non-original. But, paint these shocks the appropriate gray and they'll be hard to distinguish from the originals.

By the way, the above-referenced shocks are the oil-filled type, as-original. Later GM released gas shocks of virtually the exact same configuration. I'll post photos and part numbers of those at some later time.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]116677[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]116678[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]116679[/ATTACH]

[Mick D.]

Re: Close to original Shocks for a 71

Hey Patrick,

Thanks for the heads up, giving my goals are to reclaim points, and also look original, I guess i can either

1. Go the Dan Patch route, and pay for correctly dated originals
2. Buying some used correctly dated ones online, which have some life left, and spraying them
3. Buy a replica set from Corvette Central (no Delco or date markings though)

The 2nd option seems very risky. I don't know enough about shocks to judge them from an online listing.

For those who wonder, the current ACDelco are nothing more than black relabeled Gabriel shocks. These are easily distinguishable from originals.

[Joe L.]