Duane; Thanks for your input. I purchased new Monroe shocks for the '71 GS today. I checked Eastwoods web site but they did not have any paints called out for the shocks. What should I use to match the correct color? Len PS They came with the bolt; however, it will not work with the set up. I will need the original style to fasten to the rear. Also, I cannot find the bolts for the top of the shock; I must have assumed they would come with new ones, my bad.
Hi Len, I still have a couple cans of GM Shock Gray from 2 different suppliers from quite a few years ago. It may be worth trying to contact them to see if they are still selling it : Caudell's - (317) 922 - 7372, shop - (765) 948 - 3900 (DETAILS brand paint retailer) DETAILS - (813) - 942 - 6027 (this is the distributor, I'm not sure if they sell direct) FANATICS - (630) 497 - 7646 Another really neat paint that Caudell's sells is called "Bare Steel", that gives the appearance of clean bare steel. It's made with stainless steel pigment for corrosion resistance.
Len, I may have a good pair of those rear shock lower mounting studs, and new bolts for the top of the shocks. Tim
Tim; Duane is checking to see if he has a set of the lower mounting studs; if he doesn't and yours are good, I'll take them off your hands. Is there anything special about the top ones? I have a good hardware store that has a nice selection of bolts and nuts. If you can give me the sizes I may be able to buy new ones; otherwise, I'll take them also. Let me know how much. Len
Len, I have 2 different types of lower studs, and neither type is in very good condition. I think you should talk to Tim. I have a pair of the rear snubbers and will ship them to you next week. Duane
Duane; Thanks, I'll wait for the package. Tim; Could you send me a photo of the studs? I'd like to see if they are the same as mine. Len
Len, I don't have a digital camera, so maybe we could do it the other way around and you send me a picture of yours and I can compare it with mine. On the upper mounting bolts, I think they are a crowned, shouldered head 5/16-18 x 7/8". Usually hardware stores don't carry specialty bolts. Tim tcarson@vcn.com
Len, For some reason I only have one stud on my 71 rear end, but it looks identical to yours and is in nice shape. I should have another matching stud around here, so I will do some searching. Do you want some new nuts and lock washers for the studs ? I suppose they should be black oxide to be correct. Once I round the stuff up I will give you a price. Tim
I believe that those are the replacement-type of stud. Don't the originals have just a rounded head at the back (visible behind the car) side? The type in the picture are available on the Help rack at the local auto parts store.
Len, I'm still looking but am not sure if that other stud is around. If it would do you any good, I would mail the one I have. Or if Nicholas is correct on those studs being aftermarket replacements, I would be happy to see if I can find some around town. Our 72 GS 350 I'm sure has originals on it so I can take a quick look to see what style they are. How soon do you need them ? Tim
Here is an illustration from the 70 Assembly manual. It looks like the original bolt is integral to the shock, which would explain why the aftermarket shocks usually include the replacement stud.
Nicholas, That must be the way they came. It's been so long since I have looked at original rear shocks I had forgotten. The new AC Delco gas shocks also have an integral mounting stud like that. Tim
Tim; I'll check to see if the new shock stud will work. Don't send anything just yet. I have to paint the shocks before I put them on. Still have to get the paint. Len
