c2 strut rod dia.?

[Jack Beebe]

What is the correct diameter for strut rods for a 64 L76 coupe? I have read that repops are larger than original? Mine are 3/4", but I'm new at this and you all are not. Thanks

[Wayne M.]

Re: c2 strut rod dia.?

Jack -- Always thought the original rods themselves were the same diameter (3/4"). Not aware of any repros. But the bushing ENDS were larger starting in 1975, and this is what is available currently from GM.

Up to '74, the I.D. of the bushing end is 1.20" and the O.D. of the end approx. 1.58". Don't have the dimensions of the later design end.

[Gene M.]

Re: c2 strut rod bushing info

The replacement bushings have an inner and outer steel sleeve. The original strut rod bushings have only an inner sleeve.

[Joe L.]

Re: c2 strut rod dia.?

Jack-----

The original strut rods used for all 1963 to 1974 Corvettes were 11/16" diameter. I don't know what the recently introduced reproduction rod's diameter is; I would expect it to be the same as the originals.

As Wayne noted, the REPLACEMENT strut rods available from GM for the past 25 years, or so, have been the 75-79 rod. This rod has larger ENDS. The original rods used a 1-1/4" ID bushing orifice and the later rods use a 1-3/8" ID bushing orifice. Functionally, the rods are interchangeable. The 75-79 rods are stronger due to the larger and thicker ends.

As Gene noted, the original PRODUCTION rods, both 63-74 and 75-79, used bushings which were vulcanized in place. This is also true of SERVICE rods available from GM and the aftermarket. When original rods are SERVICED with GM bushings, the bushings have a steel outer shell to enable their installation. As of recently, aftermarket bushings are available with no outer shell so that an installation can be made which simulates the original appearance. I would not use this type bushing because I don't think that they fit tightly enough in the bushing orifices. But, to each his own.