64 Shock absorber Decals

[Ed S.]

Which shock absorber decals are correct for a standard suspension on a 64 Corvette?

EK & EM or......

EL & EM.

The reason I ask is one of the larger & more popular vendors lists EK-EM as correct, another equally popular vendor lists EL-EM.

BTW - The Judging Guide does not indicate that labels are to be on the front or rear shocks. If it does, it is mentioned in a section that I have not found. Since decals are not listed, are they necessary for judging?

[Michael J.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Ed, as a '63-'64 chassis judge, and since the TIM&JG just says there was a small white sticker with 2 black broadcast code letters attached to the shock body, I don't pay attention to the code. I just look for the sticker and all the other items for CDCIF.

[Ed S.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Michael,

Thanks for the advice & guidance. I've done an internet search for shocks on early C2s with labels, and have found both options in pics of various "restored" chassis. Since you indicate that the two letter code doesn't matter, as long as there is a sticker with a code on the shock, I am going to go with the code that appears the most frequently. Thanks again.

PS: It is minutia details like this that makes me wonder if I am having fun yet. Thankfully, there are members like you that will render advice.

[Loren L.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Can I ask where the coding information comes from? I ask because the AIM just gives 3171189 for regular front shocks and 3714188 ZO6 front shocks. NO part # is provided for a sticker. In the rear suspension section, 3171190 is for regular rear shocks and the description thereof is called out as "PLAIN"; 3174189 is for ZO6 rear shocks and the description is "BLUE", which has always been taken by me to mean a splotch of blue paing on the black shock. Again, NO part # for a sticker. This is for 1963; I don't have the last "revision".

[Ed S.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Loren, I am with you. I would like any subject matter expert on C2 chassis explain the criteria for the shock labels. The 64 JG does mention the existence of shock stickers but does not state what the letter code on them should be. Stickers are not mentioned in the AIM. Virtually every vendor (all the usual suspects) carry these shock stickers, EK & EM, or EL & EM. One vendor carries both variations and states that both are correct for 63 through 79 chassis. How can both be correct!

[Michael J.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

In the times I have judged '66s, the same applies, no mention of the broadcast code, just that it is on a white sticker with black letters and where it is placed on the shock body, 4"-6" from the top. But when I have judged '67s, it is called out in the TIM&JG, as EP for the F41 HD shock, and EM for the standard shock. That may be where the assumptions have come from.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Stickers are not mentioned in the AIM.

...and that means absolutely nothing.

The AIM is for parts that were installed at St. Louis. As most identifying stickers were installed when the part was manufactured, or identifying marks painted on in a similar manner, I would not expect them to show in the AIM.
Shocks, mufflers, frames, tie rods, stabilizer bars all had identifying marks or stickers on them, and none are in the AIM. There are other examples too; I just chose these off the top of my head.

[Loren L.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Point well taken, Patrick. But it should be noted that in the 1964 AIM, it's not until Dec 63 that the AIM designations of "plain" for regular and "blue" for ZO6 were deleted. And did the line worker really need a label to tell the difference between front and rear shocks? I suspect that some of the questions might arise because vendors have been known to "expand the application", ie, radiator seals in mid-62 suddenly become "58-62", HD brake fans for 60-2 suddenly become "57-62".

[Gene M.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

The 67 manual states the code and front and rear. I'm assuming the 64 is the same, maybe not.

The 63-64 manual is still substandard (with incorrect info) compared to others. IMHO

[Paul O.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Some information I have from a retired Delco shock damper engineer. For a 1963 shocks here is the list he had given me. Hope it helps.


Type


1963 front base color of finish Black a painted ID daub of paint brown /Type Pliacell
1963 rear base color of finish Black rear no ID paint /Type Pliacell
1963-69 front ZO7/F40/F41 finish Gray a painted ID daub Gray /Type Pliacell
1963-69 rear ZO7/F40/F41 finish Gray a painted ID daub Blue /Type Pliacell
1964 front base finish gray painted ID daub white
1964 rear base finish gray painted ID daub blue
Paper Broadcast Label First used 1965
EL Label for 1965-67 base front
EM Label for 1965-67 base rear
EN Label for 1965-69 Z07/F40/F41 front
EP Label for 1965-69 Z07/F40/F41 rear

[Loren L.]

Re: 64 Shock absorber Decals

Personal observation of 63 #20350 would compel me to say that front and rear Pliacells were black without any paint daubs, apparently because they could tell the difference between front and rear. I would also add that after the "Joe Clark" version of the JM in 1980(?), it took 2 years and
several original owners to change the color from gray to black.
It's sad, but the 63-4 manual is the only one where you can point at a TSB/Notice that specifies a DATE OF CHANGE (for warranty purposes) and it is ignored.