Source for RPO 687 shocks?

[Florian W.]

After looking at this forum and the N.Adams book, it appears that unlike RPO 684 cars, my '60 RPO 687 car should have come with the standard shocks (5552796 front and 5554593 rear). So what are the "Heavy Duty" shocks listed in the judging manual for a '60 (5543738 front and 5543739 rear)?

Also, my usual parts sources have only newer Delco shocks available (I already have these on the car). Where does one find the correctly numbered repo shocks?

Thanks,
Lee

[Steven B.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

Best source I have found for parts are The Driveline, Hemmings, ebay and fellow members with similiar cars and interest.

[Dick W.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

I believe I saw an ad in Driveline for a company that is making shocks. Might check this last issure

[Steven B.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

There was someone on eBbay a couple of months ago with some. 'Might put a permanent search on for one there.

[Edward S.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

There was someone on eBbay a couple of months ago with some. 'Might put a permanent search on for one there.

The new Driveline does have an ad for a guy with all kind of shocks, check it out.

[John H.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

I believe I saw an ad in Driveline for a company that is making shocks. Might check this last issure

Dick -

The way I read the ad ("Delco Shock Manufacturing Opportunity" on page 10), he's looking for investors to make a bunch of old Delco assembly tooling functional; doesn't say anything about manufacturing the parts to be assembled, though.

[Loren L.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

After looking at this forum and the N.Adams book, it appears that unlike RPO 684 cars, my '60 RPO 687 car should have come with the standard shocks (5552796 front and 5554593 rear). So what are the "Heavy Duty" shocks listed in the judging manual for a '60 (5543738 front and 5543739 rear)?

Also, my usual parts sources have only newer Delco shocks available (I already have these on the car). Where does one find the correctly numbered repo shocks?

Thanks,
Lee

I believe you'll find the title to be 1958-60 and 58 had RPO 684.

[Bill M.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

After looking at this forum and the N.Adams book, it appears that unlike RPO 684 cars, my '60 RPO 687 car should have come with the standard shocks (5552796 front and 5554593 rear). So what are the "Heavy Duty" shocks listed in the judging manual for a '60 (5543738 front and 5543739 rear)?

Thanks,
Lee

Lee:

Here's what I dug out of my references:

Corvette News doesn't mention HD shocks for '60 or '61 RPO 687, but does mention them for 1962 RPO 687.

My '63 parts book lists the 5543738 and 5543739 for '57-'59 with HD susp. It shows no unique shock for '60-'62 HD suspension.

Clymer's Complete Owner's Handbook specifically mentions installing 5543738 and 5543739 on '60-'61 as an owner-installed upgrade. It includes instructions on how to install a 1-1/2 inch spacer at the top of the 5543739 (with longer rebound straps) to make it work on the '60-'61.

Hope this helps.

Bill

[Justin B.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

Its also my understanding that all 1960, 1961 RPO 687 Corvettes had standard front and rear shocks. I think the factory went to gas shocks instead of hydraulic in 1960 for all cars which (in my understanding) did away with the need for the big brake heavy duty shock. Someone please educate me if I am wrong.

[Mike E.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

1962 AIM: sect 3, sheet 2.00: front shock--part number 5552796
Section 4: sheet 4,00: rear shock: part number 5554593

Section RPO 687 sheet 1.00: rear shocks, part number 5552660 front shocks part number 5552659

In 62, for sure, the RPO shocks were different--I didn't have the time to check 60 and 61 AIM's--but I'm guessing there would be info there.

Original RPO shocks are some of the hardest items to find of the RPO 684 and 687 packages.

[Alan D.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

Florian,
I will assume that you desire to get the correct shock for judging events, however to spend $100's on a correct shock vs short money on a Delco shock to gain 1or2 points may not be the best course. Are there other items on your car which will yield you more points?? If so try those first.

I'm looking at my Delco replacement shocks where 1 point was lost for the two rear shocks and for only $400 originals can be had. The trade off just does not make much sense, however I may still do it.

[Florian W.]

Re: Source for RPO 687 shocks?

Thanks to all the replies I was able to get a bit more educated with regard to my replacement shock options. My copy of the '60 AIM doesn't give a part number for an alternate shock for the RPO 687 package in that year, so I'm limiting my search to the standard shocks for that year (5552796 and 5554593). Like many things, if you are willing to throw enough money at this, there is an answer. I spoke with a nice fellow who advertises in Driveline who will create a correct, date coded replica set of shocks for $800/set. But at this time, I tend to agree with Alan's observation that this is a very expensive way to gain a few points.

While I will continue to look for the "correct" shocks, for now I will just try to replace one or two of the existing (but weeping) shocks with the same or similar. Other than the improper numbers stamped on them, they seem to be quite close to the original shock: black, rounded top Delcos made in Dayton. Unfortunately, I can't find any info on them, much less buy them. The part numbers are: 3125471 (front) and 5559495 (rear). The fronts have additional number strings on them including 3 A 49. Could that possibly be a '49 date code?

Thanks,
Lee