1965 shock absorber

[Jack B.]

I am restoring a 1965 fuel injected convertible. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best replacement shocks if I ever decide to have the car flight judged? The originals are long gone. Thanks

[Michael M.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

Monroe makes a quality USA made shock #5906 and #5850, sure beats the AC Delco China version.
Paint them the proper color, but you still get deductions.

[Mark D.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

I am restoring a 1965 fuel injected convertible. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best replacement shocks if I ever decide to have the car flight judged? The originals are long gone. Thanks

Jack,

Let me tell you a couple things you already know. You are restoring a super special car and it deserves the very best. Depending on what is in store for the car...show only, drive or a combination, determines what is 'best.'

Original shocks are out there so, NOS is best, rebuilt original is next and of course, date coded for your car is what it deserves. You don't need some legaleeze response telling you not to drive on worn out original shocks blah, blah, blah because you already know that.

If it's a trailer queen...go original. If you don't want to spend the Big Green Daddyoes for original, well then, you have already made the call. Me, I own a neat old original 69 L89 with F41 and I have found original, correctly dated shocks front and rear because for me, I wouldn't stand for anything else for such a special old car. Your car...it's about as special as it gets. As always, do what's best for you and your car. I would be willing to bet good money you already know what that is so let your heart be your guide.

Regards,

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

I am restoring a 1965 fuel injected convertible. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best replacement shocks if I ever decide to have the car flight judged? The originals are long gone. Thanks

Jack------


If you can find older GM Corvette replacement shocks manufactured before about the mid 90's, you will have shocks that are IDENTICAL in configuration to the originals except for stamped "part numbers" and "dates". All they'll need is a re-paint to the original gray-blue, which is easy. These won't be easy to find and, likely, won't be cheap. However, they'll be a LOT less expensive than NOS originals or used originals.

Among many other Delco marketing names that were used, "Reactec" is one. In fact, these are the absolute "best of both worlds" since they are configured just like original including "Delco Dayton, Ohio" stamping but they are gas charged so they perform great and much better than originals.

So, where can you find such shocks? That I can't tell you but, maybe, EBay. I know where there are lots of them but none are for sale.

[Jack B.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

Monroe makes a quality USA made shock #5906 and #5850, sure beats the AC Delco China version.
Paint them the proper color, but you still get deductions.

Thank you,
Jack

[Jack B.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

Hi Mark,
Your words ring true. Eventually I will want to find originals. For now I'll want to drive it when it is completed.
Jack

[Jack B.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

Thanks Joe. I'll keep this all in mind.
Jack

[Dan H.]

Re: 1965 shock absorber

What is the real difference between the original 63/64 shock and the 'gas' filled replacement shocks in ride and design?
Dan