Steering Stabilizer Shock

[Gerald C.]

My 1967 came with this and I removed it. I see in the catalogues that there nothing listed for a stabilizer for a 1967.

The info on it is as follows:
Placell #3178100 12 C 66
Delco Products
Dayton, Ohio USA

Can anyone help me identify this as to originality, etc.

Thanks

Jerry

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

My 1967 came with this and I removed it. I see in the catalogues that there nothing listed for a stabilizer for a 1967.

The info on it is as follows:
Placell #3178100 12 C 66
Delco Products
Dayton, Ohio USA

Can anyone help me identify this as to originality, etc.

Thanks

Jerry

Jerry-----


1967 small block used the steering stabilizer just as 1963-66 small block did. I'd say yours is original considering the part number and date.

The steering shock absorber was last available under GM #22011964 but it's been discontinued without supercession now. I'm surprised GM SERVICED it for as long as they did.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Joe,

Thanks! Can these be rebuilt? If so, who would you recommend? It doesn't leak, but the rubbers on the end are dried out. My car was built Feb of 67, what would the dat on the shock be? March 2, 1966??

Thanks,

Jerrt\y

[Larry M.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Joe,

Thanks! Can these be rebuilt? If so, who would you recommend? It doesn't leak, but the rubbers on the end are dried out. My car was built Feb of 67, what would the dat on the shock be? March 2, 1966??

Thanks,

Jerrt\y

Jerry:

I know that a few Corvette parts suppliers have a DELCO replacement listed. Are you interested in a new one, that will function correctly but not have all the correct logos and date codes??

As far as rebuilding, I would contact Dan Patch who advertises in the DRIVELINE for shock rebuilding and dating.

EDIT: Long Island Corvette Supply #50-16 has this part listed.
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000370a Paragon also has this part shown as #1519K.


SECOND EDIT: My 1967 small block car was built in late March 1967. I know that the steering stabilizer on the car has a 1966 date code, and MAY be the same as the one on your car. I can check this exact date in a few days if you are interested. According to the 1966 Judging Manual, the stabilizer date code is a Julian date, so your stabilizer could be 120-66 (or approximately late April 1966). The 1967 Judging Manual does not have any dating info on this stabilizer. The standard shocks for these 66-67 years are also Julian dates.


Larry

[Gerald C.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Larry,

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, any info on the dating would be helpful. I'll look Dan up on the Driveline.

Jerry

[Jim T.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

My 68 has the steering stabilizer. Have not tested it to see how much resistance it still has. Was 68 the last year it was used?

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

My 68 has the steering stabilizer. Have not tested it to see how much resistance it still has. Was 68 the last year it was used?

Jim-----


Yes, 1968 was the last year for the steering stabilizer.

[Jim T.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Wonder why GM stopped using the stabilizer after 68. Cost? Non-power steering Corvettes were same after 1968.

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Non-power steering Corvettes were same after 1968.

Jim-----


Not quite. For the 1969 model year the steering relay rods, both manual and power steering, were increased in size from 3/4" to 7/8". I guess GM felt that the benefit provided by the steering stabilizer didn't warrant the cost of designing and tooling up a 7/8" relay rod with steering shock absorber provisions. Big blocks never used the steering shock absorber due to oil pan interference so they may have figured if it was OK for big blocks not to have them, it was probably OK for small blocks not to have them, either.

Strangely, and possibly contrary to the above, I believe that a 7/8" manual steering relay rod with steering shock absorber provisions was once available for 1963-68 Corvette SERVICE. However, I've never been able to confirm this and I've never actually seen one.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Since my stabilzer is still in good shape, I sent it off to Dan's Classics, LLC in Kansas for new rubbers and a new paint. He advertises in the Driveline.

Thanks

[Duke W.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Wonder why GM stopped using the stabilizer after 68. Cost? Non-power steering Corvettes were same after 1968.

It was not used on mechanical lifter engines that had the big old pan, due to lack of clearance, and never caused any ill effect that I could detect.

To the contrary, my '88 MBZ 190E 2.6, which has 10.5 deg. caster went into a violent shimmy, the likes of which I have never experienced before when the high gas pressure steering damper suddenly failed.

Duke

[Gary B.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Since my stabilzer is still in good shape, I sent it off to Dan's Classics, LLC in Kansas for new rubbers and a new paint. He advertises in the Driveline.

Thanks

Gerald,

What the total cost for that service? Did you specify the paint color or provide your own paint?

Gary

[Gerald C.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

Gary,

He's charging me $75 plus $15 for shipping. I "assume" he's going to paint it the same color it was because it is an original piece.

I'll let you know how it comes up

Jerry

[Gerald C.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

UPDATE:

I'm now restoring a 1963 that appears to be pretty original, but grease and dirt everywhere. The steering stabilizer has part # 3178100 and has a date on it of 8 B 62. Can anyone tell me if this is correct for my April 1963 car? If not, where does it belong to?

Thanks

[Gerald C.]

Re: Steering Stabilizer Shock

I can't find the ad nor contact information on Dan's Classic's, LLC in Kansas. He rebuilt my 1967 steering stabilizer and wanted a 1963 done. Anyone have contact info?