1957 shock absorber gravel shield

[Mike N.]

My question is in reference to the GRAVEL SHIELD on the REAR SHOCK ABSORBER-

Do the GRAVEL SHIELDS get painted BLACK like the shock absorbers?

How does the gravel shield get attached to the shock absorber??

[Ron B.]

Re: 1957 shock absorber gravel shield

Hi Mike.

After twenty years of specializing in shock absorbers I can tell you GM last used the stone shields on their rear shocks in 1955. One of my interests is restoring early Corvettes(especially 56,57).I have looked at hundreds of 1950s Delco shocks and never saw one dated after 55 with a stone shield.
I hope my opinion helps.
Good Luck
Ron

[mike mccagh]

Re: 1957 shock absorber gravel shield

agree 100% with ron, who i consider the delco shock guru, that the 56 up shock did not the the shields. mike

[Joseph T.]

Re: Houdaille shocks

Ron / Mike

My 57 Nassau/Daytona car has the original RPO 581 suspension...and what I am told are Houdaille shocks.

Are you familiar with these shocks and can you help me understand their purpose and application?

I recently noticed that additional tie rod ends were welded on the bottom of each A-arm..possibly for a second set of front shocks or maybe a secondary sway bar..any comments would be helpful.

Many thanks...Joe

[Bob Morgan]

Re: Houdaille shocks

You had tie rod ends welded to the lower control arms ? I have an a second sway bar on my 57' and it has an extra bracket like the regular sway bar only its welded to the backside of the control arm. The tie rod end deal must have an interesting story behind it.

[Joseph T.]

Re: Houdaille shocks

Bob

The car has several unusual brackets. The welded tie rod ends on the bottom of the a-arms as well as others on the frame rails. Looks as though some testing was done for either dual shocks or secondary sway bar attachments or ?

I talked to Jim Jeffords and he said one of the Nassau Corvettes had its rear end lowered but it made things worse.

The cars did go through Smokeys garage..so any number of things could have been added or tested. Frank Burrell was also good for dreaming up new ideas like the fast steering adaptor.

Where did your 57 race?