Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

[Paul C.]

I have a 71 and have Bilstein shocks--love them. For judging purposes it was stated I could just paint them grey and get most of the points. Can someone tell me which paint and color would be the best match for front and rear. The judging manual says front shocks==blue grey and rear shocks==primer grey. Where to get the paint. Should any other numbers or tags be put on them or just paint them grey. Thank you as always for your help.
Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

I have a 71 and have Bilstein shocks--love them. For judging purposes it was stated I could just paint them grey and get most of the points. Can someone tell me which paint and color would be the best match for front and rear. The judging manual says front shocks==blue grey and rear shocks==primer grey. Where to get the paint. Should any other numbers or tags be put on them or just paint them grey. Thank you as always for your help.
Paul

Paul-----


I'd use Quanta's shock paint on BOTH the front and rear shocks. Actually, the configuration of some of the Bilstein shocks is not that much different than the CURRENT Delco shocks (although they are quite a bit more expensive).

[Terry M.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Paul,

The 1970-72 judging manual really says they are two different shades of paint? Would you mind telling us what page that is on, and giving us a quote, please?

[Jeff G.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Terry read my mind. That sounded way off target about the colors. I've discovered 4 errors (so far) in the 68-69 manual. Better to be safe and consult this tech board before redoing any surfaces.

[Terry M.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Jeff -- If you only found four I would bet you missed some. Be sure to send them to the team Leader -- contacts button above or the second page of The Restorer -- and to Dick Whittington.

[Doug J.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Paul, The picture should clear that up. "Shocks were Delco, semi-gloss grayish blue in color" I would imagine "Shocks" meant all four.
The rear spring was "light gray primer".

[Paul C.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Terry I was wrong and misread the manual--it does not say two colors. It says blue grey color on page 105. My error.
Paul

[Terry M.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Thanks Paul. I won't go into the many ways something can get fouled up in the manual, but we do try our best to get it right or correct it. I wanted a chance at the latter.

[Paul C.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

When you painted the bilsteins did you primer them first or just shoot the grey over the yellow? Just wondered how well it adhered and did it stick to the plastic sleeves on the rear shocks? Thanks again. Paul

[Chris F.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Good reading on the paint color, I intend to do that to mine when they are shipped out. I have seen the color and have a fair idea of what it looks like however would there be a paint code to mix to.

[Paul C.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

I ordered the Quanta shock grey color. I see paragon selling stickers that go on the front and rear shocks--EK front and EM rear---are these necessary--I don't see them mentioned in the judging manual.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

I ordered the Quanta shock grey color. I see paragon selling stickers that go on the front and rear shocks--EK front and EM rear---are these necessary--I don't see them mentioned in the judging manual.

Pual,

I agree on the bilstein, dumped my kybs. The profile on them is very close to the original delco. My '71 calls for labels VS front and DG rear though.

Who is correct? I am not sure.

Ken

[Paul C.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Ken:

I agree judging manual states DG--front and VS---rear?????

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Ken:

I agree judging manual states DG--front and VS---rear?????

Dislexia on my part DG front VS rear

[Doug J.]

Re: Making Bilstein Shocks Look Like Delcos

Ken,
Go with the VS and DG for standard suspension on the 71'. Corvette Central has them.