Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

[Sheldon S.]

What would be more correct and lose less points

1- using new GM shocks made in mexico, fill in all lettering and repaint correct color gray-blue or

2- use some original pliacell shocks that have the correct wording but a service replacement part number and the date incorrect.

I have found some pliacell shocks some with part number 4974644 and part number 22025105. My car is a 71 with standard suspension. these are both front shocks I am referring to.
Thanks
Sheldon

[Chuck S.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

In either case, it will first depend on how closely the physical appearance of the shock components match the original shocks; i.e. how the upper and lower shells, and ends are formed and assembled. You'll probably have to make that call yourself. If the shocks appear to be fabricated exactly the same as the originals, and the color is right, you'll probably get most of the points.

Judges will only look for stamped logos, part numbers and dates for confirmation once they have concluded the shocks LOOK like the original shocks. The first and most obvious thing they would look for is the "Pliacell" trademark matching the font and size of the original. If they find that, I expect they will move to the next item.

However, stamped trademarks, numbers, and dates will not help you much if the shock configuration is that of a later period shock. You will at least get some credit if they are GM manufacturered shocks.

I doubt that most judges even try to find and read dates on shocks...they're hard enough to read in good light on a work bench.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

I agree with Chuck.

If it looks like the correct shock externally, it's painted the right color, and the mounting hardware is correct only then do I check the wording. The fronts can rarely be seen and the back only 50% of the time. Dates are usually a "freebie" unless for some reason they face the back of the car and I can read them.

Patrick

[Alan S.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Hi Sheldon,
I still have the original std. suspension shocks, (they have been repainted), on my 71.
If you don't presently have an original to compare your choices to I'd happily send you some pictures.
Regards,
Alan

[Jack H.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

The method of point deduction is now established in the 8th Edition of the Judging Reference Manual. Absent directions to the contrary (Standard Deduction section), judges are to use the CDCIF system regarding originality assessment. CDCIF= Configuration, Date, Completeness, Installation and Finish.

You essentially allocate 20% of the available originality points to each of the five considerations and deduct accordingly. So, there's really no need to ask deduction questions here; go figure it out yourself and you're in a much better position to talk to the judges during your debrief at the judging meet!

The first alternative you present (modify a current made in Mexico service replacement shock) violates the Configuration and Date considerations. The second alternative you present (earlier era service replacement) definitely sheds the Date consideration and 'may' cost you the Configuration axis depending on how closely the part's geometric outline and embossed ID wording/placement compares to a factory original shock.

So, this could be a 'teeter totter' issue where you take the same deduction along either path...

[Mark D.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Speaking specifically about front shocks, if it is correctly configured and correctly painted with a broadcast code decal visible, you will get 100% credit. Rears are a whole other ball game.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Speaking specifically about front shocks, if it is correctly configured and correctly painted with a broadcast code decal visible, you will get 100% credit. Rears are a whole other ball game.

Hey Mr. Mechanical judge....

When was the last time you saw the dates on a rear shock as-installed on a car, not on a lift?

[John D.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Sheldon, Not getting to involved with this post except to tell you my experience. I bought a set of those Mexico fake Delco shocks about 8-10 years ago. Not sure of the time.
The only thing Delco about them is the sticker/decal. Waste of money and waste of time. So I took the Shocks to various Carlisle shows and put them on my junk table next to my trailer. They sat there for many a years before I sold them for less than I paid.
See Ron Booher here forDelco shocks. He just posted today on the 63 shock damper. Good luck, JD

[Gary J.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

You may could see the date if you are using a camera....point and shoot then enlarge the photograph. In the C-2 section shocks are worth 5 pts on the orginalilty side. So do the math from there.

[Mark D.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Hey Mr. Mechanical judge....

When was the last time you saw the dates on a rear shock as-installed on a car, not on a lift?

Could if I wanted to.

[Sheldon S.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

I thank you all for the info provided. The reason I ask some of these questions is because what is in judging guides and reference manuals is one thing and sometimes first hand knowledge is much better. I personally live in northern Canada near Alaska and for me to go to a Judging meet will not be just an overnight trip. So when I do go I am trying to be as prepared as possible, I do not have the luxury of taking Sunday and going to look at dozens of cars that have already been through the process. I really appreciate the ton of info that everyone can and has provided me on here.
Thanks
Sheldon

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Could if I wanted to.

With a flash and 200mm lens?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

Here's a picture of my car's right rear shock, with the car on the lift and me standing under the driveshaft/differential area.

Note that you probably won't see the words/dates from the front, and to see them from the rear you have to peek around the rear spring and other items. It's not exactly easy.

Put the dates on the wheel side or towards the front and we'll never see them.

Patrick

[Chuck S.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

...I personally live in northern Canada near Alaska and for me to go to a Judging meet will not be just an overnight trip...

OK, now I understand your prob...if your car had aftermarket shocks, and that's highly likely, you probably have never seen an original "Pliacell" shock from this period.

What you need is to see close up detail pics of some original shocks laying on the floor to see the configuration. Anyone got any shock pics?...I have some around here somewhere, but I'll never find them.

Sheldon, in all honesty...if you intend to go to judging without ever having studied another restored Corvette, your car will need to have been VERY original, and it will still be hard to get it right. It will virtually impossible to know what original parts looked like without a "go-by".

[Ridge K.]

Re: Judging Question on Shock Absorbers

OK, now I understand your prob...if your car had aftermarket shocks, and that's highly likely, you probably have never seen an original "Pliacell" shock from this period.

What you need is to see close up detail pics of some original shocks laying on the floor to see the configuration. Anyone got any shock pics?...I have some around here somewhere, but I'll never find them.

Sheldon, in all honesty...if you intend to go to judging without ever having studied another restored Corvette, your car will need to have been VERY original, and it will still be hard to get it right. It will virtually impossible to know what original parts looked like without a "go-by".

A photo of one of my original paint, 1967 shocks: