C3 72 Correct Shocks

[Norm C.]

This is probably a question for Patrick, Joe or Terry,,,,, but all answers are more than appreciated. This is for a base engine coupe with C60 A/C, PB, PS & 4spd. (not sure if any of those affected which shocks)

The TIMJG is clear about how the shocks should look.... However, given that the originals are no longer in production, it doesn't offer what the closest shock is for judging that's on the market today. I would also suspect that the new ones would need some dressing up to appear as close as possible to the originals. If that is correct, what is the process to use with respect to the existing labels/color of new ones?

Thanks to all who share their wisdom!!!

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

There are several recent posts on shocks and what to use as a replacement. The answers would be the same for a C-2 or C-3

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Unfortunately, none of the shocks currently available are really that "close" in appearance. The current Delco set (just over $100/set) would work fine even though Delco doesn't make them anymore.

Another alternative is to find the one you want that still looks close to the original in general configuration, whether the Delco or another brand, and paint it gray. You may want to "fill in" any "Made in Mexico" or similar words in order to "improve" the appearance of any shock you buy.

Patrick

[Norm C.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

There are several recent posts on shocks and what to use as a replacement. The answers would be the same for a C-2 or C-3

Thanks Dick for the reply,,,, I should have included in my post that I did a search in the archives and came up with many posts regarding broadcast codes, bushings, color, etc,,,,, but nothing saying which ones on the market today are the closest....

[Norm C.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

[quote=Patrick Hulst (16386);356263]Unfortunately, none of the shocks currently available are really that "close" in appearance. The current Delco set (just over $100/set) would work fine even though Delco doesn't make them anymore.

Another alternative is to find the one you want that still looks close to the original in general configuration, whether the Delco or another brand, and paint it gray. You may want to "fill in" any "Made in Mexico" or similar words in order to "improve" the appearance of any shock you buy.

Thanks Patrick,,, I knew with your experience you'd have a couple of suggestions... would your strategy work with buying Delco gas shocks? Thinking if I"m going to change them anyway, why not better performing shocks.... or would those be too far from correct appearance? Thanks again Patrick!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Thanks Patrick,,, I knew with your experience you'd have a couple of suggestions... would your strategy work with buying Delco gas shocks? Thinking if I"m going to change them anyway, why not better performing shocks.... or would those be too far from correct appearance? Thanks again Patrick!!

I'll post a pic of original shocks later today.
Then, whether you use Delco, Gabriel or ___ you can search for one that "looks best" and may perform better.
Fill in some lettering, paint it gray, call it good.

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

The judging manual is not designed to keep up-to-the-moment on the parts market. The 1970-72 TIM&JG was last revised when the shocks were still available from Delco -- so if we took on the task of trying to keep up with the parts market, it would tell you that the currently available Delco shocks are the "best option." That is not exactly what you want to hear, nor would you be happy if you bought them and brought them to the judging field.

Of course all the above assumes you have the latest judging manual. You will occasionally see people posting here claiming the TIM&JG is inaccurate, only to find out they don't have the most recent edition.

[Norm C.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Patrick & Terry..... Thanks for the great insight. I do have the 4th edition JM & of course it would be impossible to expect a JM or the archives to have latest available parts list,,,,hence my questions here. Both of your suggestions make the most sense....... look forward to seeing Patrick's photos!!!!!! thanks again guys!!!!!!!!!!

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Norm I wasn't trying to suggest that you don't have the latest version of the manual. I only wanted to add that as an additional issue when trying to keep up with the ever changing parts market, if we were to try to recommend the best option for parts in the manual.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Thanks Dick for the reply,,,, I should have included in my post that I did a search in the archives and came up with many posts regarding broadcast codes, bushings, color, etc,,,,, but nothing saying which ones on the market today are the closest....

Norm----

The current Delco shocks are Delco #530-315, front, and 530-4, rear. These are also known as GM #88947653 and 88945172, respectively. These are gas-charged shocks and will perform very well. They are NOT manufactured by any GM or DELPHI entity. They are reasonably close to original in general configuration. They have NO stampings which indicate that they are Delco shocks, though. The only thing on them that indicates Delco are the labels which are decidedly non-original in appearance (originals didn't even have brand labels of any kind).

You can remove the labels, paint these shocks gray and they will appear reasonably close to the originals.

If you prefer, you can also obtain KYB shocks and paint them gray. Certain elements of the standard KYB configuration are actually closer to the original GM shocks than the current Delco shocks. However the "KYB" stampings are obviously a glaring exception.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

. However the "KYB" stampings are obviously a glaring exception.

Joe, JB Weld works good for more things that bonding two items together.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Joe, JB Weld works good for more things that bonding two items together.

Dick----

It most certainly does! It practically qualifies as the "restorer's dream come true".

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Hi Norm,
Here are pictures of the front and rear shocks from my mid-Jan, 71. At best they may give you a clue to configuration. You can get an idea of the upper bushings and washers on the front shock and an idea of the color on that batch of rear shocks.
I hope tis is some help to you.
Regards,
Alan

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Joe, JB Weld works good for more things that bonding two items together.

That's kinda what I was getting at.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Hi Norm,
Here are pictures of the front and rear shocks from my mid-Jan, 71. At best they may give you a clue to configuration. You can get an idea of the upper bushings and washers on the front shock and an idea of the color on that batch of rear shocks.
I hope tis is some help to you.
Regards,
Alan

Alan-----


Do the numbers and dates on the FRONT shocks jive with what should have been originally installed on the car? These shocks look too new to me to be originals, and I would not expect the black finish on originals.

The rears appear to be the gray color as I would expect.