Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

[Frederick W.]

I need shocks for my 63 and my 68.
Paragon's website states the following:

Front Shock Absorber Kit
Paragon Number: 3802
GM Part Number: 4975486
Front shock absorber kit, 2 rqrd. This is a new Delco shock, which may or may not receive full judging points. Ask a judge before purchasing if you are showing your car at NCRS events. This shock is stamped with "Top 737662 Made in Mexico 006133 0877 Warning Do Not Heat or Open".

Years: 1963 - 1982
Condition: New
Packaging: Each
Type: Stock

So, are these given full points or not?

Fred

[Joe L.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

I need shocks for my 63 and my 68.
Paragon's website states the following:

Front Shock Absorber Kit
Paragon Number: 3802
GM Part Number: 4975486
Front shock absorber kit, 2 rqrd. This is a new Delco shock, which may or may not receive full judging points. Ask a judge before purchasing if you are showing your car at NCRS events. This shock is stamped with "Top 737662 Made in Mexico 006133 0877 Warning Do Not Heat or Open".

Years: 1963 - 1982
Condition: New
Packaging: Each
Type: Stock

So, are these given full points or not?

Fred

Fred------


I think there may be an "anachronism" in the Paragon catalog. The GM #4975486 shocks are long-since GM discontinued and I doubt that Paragon has any remaining stock. These shocks were of correct original configuration and were stamped "Delco", though. The stamped part number and dates were incorrect for a 1963 or 1968 but otherwise they were right.

The current Delco shock is GM #88947653. This shock is not stamped Delco (because it's not manufactured by Delco or, even, any successor company), has non GM part numbers stamped on it (probably Federal-Mogul/Monroe), and is not of the original configuration in many respects. I would not think it would receive full credit. Functionally, it's a fine shock, though.

[Frederick W.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Fred------


I think there may be an "anachronism" in the Paragon catalog. The GM #4975486 shocks are long-since GM discontinued and I doubt that Paragon has any remaining stock. These shocks were of correct original configuration and were stamped "Delco", though. The stamped part number and dates were incorrect for a 1963 or 1968 but otherwise they were right.

The current Delco shock is GM #88947653. This shock is not stamped Delco (because it's not manufactured by Delco or, even, any successor company), has non GM part numbers stamped on it (probably Federal-Mogul/Monroe), and is not of the original configuration in many respects. I would not think it would receive full credit. Functionally, it's a fine shock, though.

Looks like it's labeled AC Delco:

[Joe L.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Looks like it's labeled AC Delco:

Fred------


Yes, they are labeled just as pictured. However, this is just a decal-type label. In order to paint the shock the correct color (for a 1968) of gray-blue, the labels have to be removed. Black is the correct color for a 1963, though.

While the label does say "Delco" this type of label was never used on original shocks. So, the conundrum is does one leave the label on the shocks to get the credit for their being Delco or remove the labels to achieve a more original appearing shock? This may be a case of "if the right one don't get you the left one will".

[Larry M.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Fred:

They will not receive full judging points from a knowledgeable judge.

If you do nothing but install them out of the box, you could lose up to 90 percent, or possibly all, of your originality points. Since they are sold through GM/AC DELCO, the judging manual indicates that they should receive at least 10 percent originality. However, this statement was written when GM/AC DELCO was still manufacturing the parts. This is no longer the case.

However, if you remove the AC DELCO label, fill in the "Made in Mexico" stamping, paint the shock body the correct blue-grey color, and install the correct paper ID stickers, most judges will not take off a majority of originality points.....and you will also get your condition points. This is what many folks do.

The other alternatives (2) are buy older, original type shocks and cosmetically restore them, or buy new or professionally reconditioned original-type shocks (or roll-stamped and dated reproductions) for $$$$$. The DRIVELINE has an add for someone who provides this service, but the cost is not trival.

Larry

[John D.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Hi Gang, Around 2005 I saw someone on Ebay advertising these nice looking shocks. Think the ad said 63 to 79. So I bought a set of 4 and was "shocked" when I took them out of the box. hahaha.
Nice foreign made shocks. The only thing Delco about them is the fake decal.
One might be better to buy nice set of used Delco shocks and stick them on so at least you have some real deal Delco shocks.
See the Judging Reference Manual for more help.
Plan B: Our own Dan Patch can fix you up with some nice repros too.
Or long time NCRS member Ron Booher can help you too on Delco shocks.

Am I allowed to be dropping names here? If not let me know and I will delete this.

[William C.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

When Delphi was spun off from GM, one thing that was retained from the old entity was the "AC-Delco" merchandising trademarks. Virtually nothing labeled AC-Delco today has ANY relationship to the original part in terms of configuration and only limited relationship in terms of function "Buyer Beware" if looking for originality.

[Frederick W.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Excellent and detailed info, as usual, thanks.
Also, the specific names and contacts are very helpful!

fw

[Brad S.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Fred, I also have a set of these shocks . comparing them to an original set I have the body of these is quite a bit bigger than the originals. The closest i could find to original appearing were KYB"s . They are only slightly larger.

[Frederick W.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Well, then short of buying an old shock and having it rebuilt, what would be the best choice of shocks?
I suppose if it's not original then might as well buy a good performing replacement.

[John H.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Well, then short of buying an old shock and having it rebuilt, what would be the best choice of shocks?
I suppose if it's not original then might as well buy a good performing replacement.

Fred -

Unless your "dollars per point" threshold is much higher than most folks, buy a good set of replacements, remove labels, scuff, paint Delco blue-gray, apply broadcast labels, and move on. That's what most folks do. Doesn't make sense to spend a fortune for "correct" shocks that carry so few points.

[Frederick W.]

Re: Are new AC Delco shocks "correct"

Fred -

Unless your "dollars per point" threshold is much higher than most folks, buy a good set of replacements, remove labels, scuff, paint Delco blue-gray, apply broadcast labels, and move on. That's what most folks do. Doesn't make sense to spend a fortune for "correct" shocks that carry so few points.

Thanks, John, I agree.
But are these Mexican "Delco's" good performing shocks?

My 68 rides stiff and a bit truck-like, but has Goodyear redline bias ply tires on it.
My 63 rides better, but is "jouncy", especially in the rear. It has radials on the knock-offs.
Lots of options, Monroe, KYB, QA1, Bilstein, pricy Koni's, but I suppose these are less "original" looking and certainly pricier. If the Delcos are good, they're probably a good value.