Who sells original shock replacements for my 65? There seems to be alot of performance shocks out there. Are factory GM's still available? If not which are the best for replacements?
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Re: Original shocks
You can get REAL close to originals from AC Delco. Joe L. helped me with #'s for ft. and rear on my 67.
Check the archives
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Re: Original shocks
I wish I could take credit for this great response to your question, however this is a previous post from Joe Lucia who did all of the work. Hope this points you in the right direction.
I believe that the Delco numbers should be 560-50 and 560-51 for the fronts and rear, respectively. These are GM #22065208 and 22065207 the last I checked, but the "long numbers" could have changed. Anyway, the Reactec "Gas Charged" shocks are what you need. These shocks are virtually identical in configuration to the original shocks that were supplied with your car(unless yours is an original F-41 car)except, of course, for "numbers". Remove the labels, clean the exterior surface thoroughly, and paint with shock absorber gray/blue paint and you'll have a modern technology shock that looks just about like the originals. And, at a very economical price, too. I think that these shocks are one of the best VALUES out there in shock absorbers. Each shock will come with mounting hardware and bushings. For the rears, you can use the hardware, except for the lower nut and washer. The original lower shock retaining nut was much thicker than a standard nut. This nut, GM #3691530, was still available the last I checked. If you don't already have them, you might want to get some. This nut is about 3/4" thick and is phosphate coated. The nut that comes with the shock kit, which is usually a standard zinc plated nut, will function perfectly, though; it's just not the original configuration. The lower washer was not the plated, flat washer which comes with the kit. Originally, it was GM #3714310, which, the last time I checked, was still available. This washer is a plain steel(rusts), "saucer-shaped", convex washer. It should be installed with the saucer pointing OUTWARD, the opposite of what seems intuitive. You can use the lockwasher from the kit, but it is zinc plated as opposed to phosphate of the original. The original lower rubber bushings were a two-piece design, whereas the replacement shocks will come with a one-piece, already installed bushing. There is NO functional difference between the two types and it is IMPOSSIBLE to tell the difference once installed on the car. Use the bushings as installed.
For the front shocks, the upper hardware is incorrect(but entirely functional). The original upper, upper grommet was GM # 3790341, which is still available. You can use the 6270752 lower, upper grommet supplied with the shock kit. You will end up with 2 left over of these if you obtain the 3790341 upper, upper grommets I described. Also, the original upper retainer was GM #3790342. This retainer is also still available last I checked. It is a large, convex-shaped "washer" with an "oil-penetrant" type finish. It is 1-29/32" outside diameter and 13/32" inside diameter. Originally, the upper shock shaft retaining nut was a 3/8-24 phosphate coated nut. The replacement provided in the kit will be a zinc plated nut. An original style nut may still be available under GM #225854.Comment
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Re: Original shocks
Joe and Richard-----
Everything I said still holds with one exception. The GM #3714310 lower rear shock washer has been discontinued.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Original shocks
Yes, it is true that the washers are no longer available. I purchased the other miscellaneous hardware from Tom Henry Chevrolet, ordering over the phone. Stan in the parts department still has all the old parts manuals (just like Joe does) so he can get hard to find part numbers. They also offer a 10 or 15% (Can't remember) discoubt for NCRS members.Comment
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Re: Original shocks
Would these be the same numbers for a '69?Comment
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