CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: ZLP955 on May 13, 2015, 09:57:10 AM

Title: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on May 13, 2015, 09:57:10 AM
Looking for confirmation on how to identify original assembly-line correct rear leaf spring shackles; I have a set which I believe are correct and they each have a letter stamped on the inside face. What other identifying features (other than shape) should originals have, and if there was more than one supplier, did those ID features vary?
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: cook_dw on May 13, 2015, 11:46:17 AM
Tim, look at Chick's build thread on Team Camaro as I know he had photos of his shackles for 68 at least.  I cant remember what the stampings were but they were stamped.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on May 13, 2015, 10:01:10 PM
Thanks Darrell. Chick's shackle plates appear to be stamped with an 'S' on the outside face, whereas mine have a different letter ('B') stamped on the inside face, hence my original question.
I happened to notice a set very much like mine being offered for sale as 'correct', and just wondered if mine were original or not.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: cook_dw on May 14, 2015, 12:57:27 AM
I think (which I might be wrong) that there were several suppliers for things like the shackles and I would bet they were stampings for different vendors..  Just an educated guess.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: 68camaroz28 on May 14, 2015, 02:26:12 AM
I think (which I might be wrong) that there were several suppliers for things like the shackles and I would bet they were stampings for different vendors..  Just an educated guess.
That would be my guess as well Darrell and as Tim noted mine did have a "S" stamped. Suppliers had a print that had to meet requirements so would think even different suppliers the part would be very similar but there is probably some type of abnormality but would probably take close examination. Will try to check some out and report back.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on May 14, 2015, 04:31:07 AM
Thanks Chick!
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: luv2sixty9 on May 14, 2015, 04:24:44 PM
"B" are known to be on Novas and "S" on Camaros
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: Camarocards on May 14, 2015, 06:24:08 PM
Tim,

Just as a follow on to what Chick reported in his build thread, my '68 also has an "S" stamped on the shackle.

I needed to replace the rubber bushings and couldn't find anyone that sold them separately. Seems like they were all bundled in with the shackle plates so I purchased the entire shackle kit just to use the bushings.

Below is a pic of my original shackles versus the reproductions. Dimensionally they are virtually identical:

Original GM
  Length: 5.355"
  Width: 2.278"
  Thickness: 0.191"

Reproduction
  Length: 5.345"
  Width: 2.245"
  Thickness: 0.196

I have just two observations on the reproductions:
1. The ends of the plate have a more pronounced radius where it transitions into the straight part of the plate.
2. I found no evidence of Zinc plating when I refurbished my originals.

Hope this helps!

Bob
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on May 15, 2015, 05:44:51 AM
Thanks Bob, nice comparison details.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on May 16, 2015, 07:11:16 AM
"B" are known to be on Novas and "S" on Camaros
Wondering if there is any difference in measurement between the hole centers for Nova and Camaro shackle plates, or are they the same? If anyone could confirm, that'd be great. For reference, my plates are 5 3/8" overall and the hole centers are 3 1/8" apart.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: 68camaroz28 on May 17, 2015, 11:50:49 PM
"B" are known to be on Novas and "S" on Camaros
Wondering if there is any difference in measurement between the hole centers for Nova and Camaro shackle plates, or are they the same? If anyone could confirm, that'd be great. For reference, my plates are 5 3/8" overall and the hole centers are 3 1/8" apart.
Tim, have not forgotten ya! Will work to check some cars out this week along with our 69 SS396 survivor we purchased new. See if I can see a stamping.....
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on May 18, 2015, 10:12:54 AM
All good Chick, no hurry! Thanks ;D
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: HawkX66 on June 30, 2015, 02:30:31 PM
Hey Tim, I just came across this post... Just in case you didn't get a definite answer to your questions, I can take a measurement tonight if you want. Here is my original 69 shackle. It looks just like Bob's 68 although not in as good shape...

(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150627_165306.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150627_165306.jpg.html)

(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150627_165359.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150627_165359.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on July 02, 2015, 07:47:51 AM
Thanks Hawk, a measurement would be much appreciated. I see your shackles are also stamped 'S' on the outer surface.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: HawkX66 on July 02, 2015, 11:41:59 AM
No problem Tim. I'll grab a few measurements when I get home tonight.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: HawkX66 on July 04, 2015, 02:31:56 AM
Here's a few measurements for you Tim...

(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150703_193257.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150703_193257.jpg.html)

(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150703_193142.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150703_193142.jpg.html)

(http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q573/SgtHawkUSMC/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150703_193040.jpg) (http://s1164.photobucket.com/user/SgtHawkUSMC/media/69%20Camaro%20SS396%20L34/69%20Rear%20End%20BS/IMG_20150703_193040.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: ZLP955 on July 04, 2015, 05:16:24 AM
Thanks Hawk, not 100% certain (might be the camera angle) but they look to be similar dimensions to mine. I'm going to re-use the 'B' stamped shackle plates, but every time I run across an original car, guess what - I'll be checking the stamp on those plates!
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: HawkX66 on July 04, 2015, 02:38:23 PM
Thanks Hawk, not 100% certain (might be the camera angle) but they look to be similar dimensions to mine. I'm going to re-use the 'B' stamped shackle plates, but every time I run across an original car, guess what - I'll be checking the stamp on those plates!
For some reason I was having a lot of trouble getting a square picture that accurately reflected the measurements.
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: dannystarr on July 04, 2015, 09:59:01 PM
It actually is very hard to get the perfect ANGLE when trying to show short distances. I would say use a stick rule, or a 1 foot or 3 foot ruler. They are flat, and can lay down without curvature of a standard tape measure. But no matter what, you can't show the measurements at EACH end at the same time accurately if the item is more than 3 or 4 inches. It gets worse as the item gets longer. You can only show one side accurately at a time. At least that's what it seems to me. So you have to show the finished distance, and hope for the best.. D   
Title: Re: 67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles
Post by: HawkX66 on July 05, 2015, 03:37:41 AM
It actually is very hard to get the perfect ANGLE when trying to show short distances. I would say use a stick rule, or a 1 foot or 3 foot ruler. They are flat, and can lay down without curvature of a standard tape measure. But no matter what, you can't show the measurements at EACH end at the same time accurately if the item is more than 3 or 4 inches. It gets worse as the item gets longer. You can only show one side accurately at a time. At least that's what it seems to me. So you have to show the finished distance, and hope for the best.. D   
That's what I tried to do with my pics. I made it so you could see the correct distance, but you can't see where it starts as well.