C3 72 Correct Shocks

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Let's see if I can post these.
Nope - still says I'm full. I'll show them below.

Original 1972 shocks, I own them but don't know the history of them.
I purchased them only for reference purposes.

Patrick

Date code, rear:



Part number, front:



Front shock:



Upper end, front shock:



Upper end, rear shock:



Rear shock:



Pliacell, rear:



Seam, rear:

[Norm C.]

Thanks ALL!!!

Terry, Dick, Patrick, Alan & Joe...... Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge,,,,, super appreciated,,,,, guys like you is what makes this website so damn awesome!!!!!

[Alan S.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Hi Joe,
The picture is of 1 of the front shocks from my 71, 44K miles. I'm the original owner so I'm sure it's the original shock. It has been repainted gray, but the poor quality of the photo is misleading on the color. Patrick's pictures are a lot more help in identifying the original shock.
What's interesting is that the 'crimp' on mine is done in the same way as on Patrick's....in little 1/8" to 1/4" inch segments. Was the shock rotated in some kind of tool to do the crimp? Was it a 'crimp' or is it something else.
Regards,
Alan

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 72 Correct Shocks

Hi Joe,
The picture is of 1 of the front shocks from my 71, 44K miles. I'm the original owner so I'm sure it's the original shock. It has been repainted gray, but the poor quality of the photo is misleading on the color. Patrick's pictures are a lot more help in identifying the original shock.
What's interesting is that the 'crimp' on mine is done in the same way as on Patrick's....in little 1/8" to 1/4" inch segments. Was the shock rotated in some kind of tool to do the crimp? Was it a 'crimp' or is it something else.
Regards,
Alan

Alan-----


The end configuration which you describe is one of the "distinguishing characteristics" of original Delco shocks, although it was also used on some other shocks of the period. I do not know how it was done, although I've always wondered about it. I THINK it was some sort of weld rather than an actual crimp.

This style weld or crimp was used on all Corvette shock absorbers originally installed on Corvettes in the 63-82 period and most, if not all, Delco SERVICE shock absorbers for 63-82 Corvettes manufactured until DELPHI exited the shock manufacturing business several years ago. Current Delco shocks, manufactured by Monroe or Gabriel, do not have this feature. Some KYB shocks have a similar, but not identical, weld/crimp.