Front or rear shocks for 63

[Rainer S.]

I purchased a set of shocks from Corvette Central, are they correct for judging ? They do not have dates on them, the numbers are different from what they are suppose to be. The judging manual says, that original shocks were date coded and had a number 3171190 on them. Since shocks are one of the first things to wear out on a car, I have not seen any NOS ones around. Can I still buy the true original shocks ? If not, I will install the ones I purchased from CC.

Rainer

[Mike M.]

Re: Front or rear shocks for 63

unless your intent is to have the car judged, use the non-original shocks from the aftermarket dealer and have fun. what you have will suffer on the judging field as judges use the judging manual as bible.mike.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front or rear shocks for 63

Rainer----

It is virtually impossible to obtain a set of shocks which are identical to the originals in every respect. The curent Delco replacement shocks or Delco Reactec Gas Charged shocks are configured VERY close to the original shocks. However, they do lack the proper "numbers" and "dates". If the shocks that you purchased from Corvette Central are Delco shocks, they're likely as close as you can get. I would not worry, at all, about the "numbers" and "dates".

If you really want to satisfy your desire for correct shocks right down to the "numbers" and "dates", then you'll have to look for a pair of NOS shocks of the right part number and dates. When (and if) you find them, you'll likely have to pay well over $1,000 for them. Still want the correct "numbers" and "dates"?

[Rainer S.]

Re: Front or rear shocks for 63

Mike and Joe, you have answered my question. I will install the CC shocks (Delco)
Thanks,

Rainer

[Geoff C.]

Re: Front or rear shocks for 63

Joe,
What do you think about the discontinued series 500-80 and 500-81 shocks. They really are closer than the gas charged types.
Geoffrey Coenen

[Loren L.]

$4 each - at Pomona *NM*

[Joe C.]

Re: Front or rear shocks for 63

Rainer:

I am sure that you will remove the Delco labels and paint the Reactecs with the original "shock absorber gray", which can be had from most of the Corvette specialty parts houses (L.I. Corvette and Quanta come to mind first).

Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: Front or rear shocks for 63

Geoffrey------

Yes, the 500 series are, basically, the shocks that I was referring to as replacement Delco shocks. However, I always thought that, externally, these looked virtually the same as the Reactecs. Maybe I missed something, though. When I get a chance, I'll drag out a set of each and carefully compare them.

[Joe L.]

Re: $4 each - at Pomona

Loren------

They're swapping this Sunday at Pomona. So, everyone should go out there and buy a set of these NOS original shocks. In fact, for this price, folks would find it worth their while to fly in from out of town and get some. I've been down there many times but, I must admit, I've yet to see even one NOS set for sale. I'll look closer the next time I go. For $4 each or $16 a set, I'll buy every one the guy has.

[Loren L.]

They are NOT gray - BLACK *NM*

[Joe C.]

Re: They are NOT gray - BLACK

Thanks Loren, I assumed (there's that word again!) that the 1963 shocks were the same as 1965 shocks. I stand corrected. I should have realized they were different when Geoffrey referred to the Delco series 500 units.

Joe