C3 shock absorbers

[Matthew S.]

While doing some work on my car (72 LT-1) a few months ago to get ready for the National, I pulled out the front shocks and to my surprise they were the original shocks. They're nice and tight and have no leaks. My question is, what's the best way to preserve the shocks so they don't start leaking. Should I leave them in the car so they get used periodically (I drive from April to October, about 1,000 miles a year)? Or, should I pull them out and only use them for judging?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 shock absorbers

I had the same experience on my 70...removed the front shocks, and they were the dated originals with twenty-something years and at least 120K miles. They were still functioning as designed.

Replacement of OEM shocks was once one of the biggest service rackets in the world; these crooks would bounce the heck out of your front end, and say "your shocks are bad; need replacing", and people would let these theives replace their barely broken in OEM shocks for aftermarket junk. Makes you wish you now had all those almost brand new Delco shocks that ended up on the scrap pile.

There's really nothing you can do to extend the life of the shocks IMO. If you are going to drive the car a lot, I would remove and store them if you are willing to go to that much trouble. Keep in mind that judges can't see the date stamps; most of us are old, but I don't think a twenty-something could see them if he knew where to look. If your configuration (shape/welds/paint) look original, you should get good judging credit on replacement shocks. If you drive the car only a couple of thousand miles a year, and you want to have the car judged frequently WITH the shocks, I personally wouldn't bother with it...I would leave them on the car. JMHO

[Denny J.]

Re: C3 shock absorbers

Matt & 20817
Nothing wrong with selling them in the Driveline.
Matt think safety.
Denny72
Did I tell you I'm in the market for used shocks?