1964 upper shock washer ?

[Michael H.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

Michael-----


I don't know that we ever established, for sure, which part number these are. Most likely, though, it's the original part number printed on the package, GM #43468. These would be correct for most 63's. However, the GM #5544049 (the number written on the bag which was the supercessive part number) is the correct part number for 1964. Just how those differed from the 43468 I do not know.

That's correct. The number did change some time during the 63 model year.
The 5544049 does compare exactly to front stabilizer bar link washers from an early 63 car though and the part number was the same for both the shock absorber and the stab link.
I don't know why the part number changed.

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

Yup, those are the correct originals with the "slightly" rainbow color tint. Jorjorian sent the pic and I originally posted it about 6 months ago.

Couldn't remember where I "pirated" the pic from Michael. I thought it was from either you or RJ.

Chuck

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

The 64 in question was made in the last couple of days of production if I remember correctly. Big 65 - 67 washers are correct, or at least acceptable. My opinion for all it is worth.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

The 64 in question was made in the last couple of days of production if I remember correctly. Big 65 - 67 washers are correct, or at least acceptable. My opinion for all it is worth.

That may be possible but certainly not worth the arguement on the judging field.

It might be interesting to see what the 65 AIM has to say about the washer. What was the date of change, if there is a change shown? Did the 63-64 style washer carry over to very early 65 or was that change made before SOP of 65.

[M W.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

The 64 in question was made in the last couple of days of production if I remember correctly. Big 65 - 67 washers are correct, or at least acceptable. My opinion for all it is worth.

Jimmy, you are correct. It is a last few days production car. No matter what seems logical or correct the judging folks are supposed to go by what the Judging Guide has to say and on page 125 it says the small hex head recessed washer. Obviously the two guys who were judging are going on experience and may have been trying to say that this is what was on here originally even though the book is different. Either way thanks to all.

Cheers,
Craig

[Wayne M.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

....It might be interesting to see what the 65 AIM has to say about the washer. What was the date of change, if there is a change shown? Did the 63-64 style washer carry over to very early 65 or was that change made before SOP of 65.

Michael -- my copy of the '65 AIM shows the big shock washer (retainer 3790342) right from the 'git-go'; no revision record. And the upper sway bar link retainer is the 5544049, as shown written on the package in RJ's pic.

[Michael H.]

Re: 1964 upper shock washer ?

Michael -- my copy of the '65 AIM shows the big shock washer (retainer 3790342) right from the 'git-go'; no revision record. And the upper sway bar link retainer is the 5544049, as shown written on the package in RJ's pic.

Thanks Wayne. Now, if a 64 AIM shows the 5544049 without change to the end of the model run, we can probably assume that the 049 was used to the last car.

That's not always the case though. It is possible that the 342 large washer did show up near the end of the 64 run but until someone comes up with some documentation on that, I would not automatically assume that was the case.

I think that using a 65 part on a 64 car is just asking for trouble on the judging field unless there is some proof that this actually occured in production.
Unfortunately, that's not likely to happen. Restorers have been installing the large washer on 63-64's for many years/decades so even if someone sees a late 64 car that looks like it may have had the large washer, it probably didn't when it left the St Louis assembly plant.