Original shocks off my 69 Z/28

[sixt9x33rs]

My car has approx 36K miles on it and I would like to use my original front shocks. Is this being unrealistic? Are they just to old? Is there a way to test them prior to installing on the car? I would like to find new rubber for the bottom of the shocks and install that prior to finishing the project. I can use the repro sprirals but want to use as many original parts as possible.

I soaked the front shocks in evaporust and painted them. Here are the pics.

[Sauron327]

 At 50K miles a car's shock piston has travelled up and down in excess of 20 million times. I used to race snowbobiles and suspension monitoring was important and they traveled even more. They affect handling, braking, tire and suspension wear and performance. As they generate heat their performance decreases even when new. Or when expensive rebuildable gas units are used. Now one can imagine the effectiveness of a 39 year old non performance shock. Aquisition of new correct spirals to retain the authenticity of your car may be in your best interest.

[KurtS]

Depends on how much you'll drive it.
If it's a show car, you can reuse them. If you're going to drive it, paint some Koni's grey and be done with it. The repros won't hold up to regular driving.....

I'd be interested in a picture of the shock date stamps if you get a chance...

[Pacecarjeff]

Shocks are a funny thing.
They are capable of lasting a VERY long time in certain conditions.

Down here in Florida the roads are pretty good, and the terrain in pretty flat.
I see a lot of cars in the yards that still have the original shocks. (yes I grabbed them)

I would say - if the shocks are still functioning properly - go ahead and use them.
If they have failed - then don't.

If you rock the car up and down - the shock should steady the travel in a few cycles.
They do not support any weight - they just act as a buffer to stop the bouncing.

If you are happy with how the car drives - then why change it?

[lakeholme]

All these guys are right...  Put them on and you will have your answer.

[sixt9x33rs]

Depends on how much you'll drive it.
If it's a show car, you can reuse them. If you're going to drive it, paint some Koni's grey and be done with it. The repros won't hold up to regular driving.....

I'd be interested in a picture of the shock date stamps if you get a chance...

Kurt here is a pic witth the date code. If you want a larger file that you can zoom in on let me know and I will email you a picture.

[68Zproject]

Don't get the repros.  I got them and the front ones do absolutely nothing.  Every little bump I went over, the front end would bounce up and down 5 or 6 times.  I painted the gas shocks that were on it grey and took off the repros.  I would do as Kurt said for driving the car.  If you're going to show it, you could get away with putting your originals on for short drives.  Unless my repros were some sort of defective example, you would be very unhappy driving your car with them on.

[sixt9x33rs]

Thanks 68Z. I am just going to put them on and drive it. I will see what happens. I will only drive the car around 1500 miles a year anyway.

[KurtS]

Thanks! That pic was fine.

[70lt1z28]

Don't get the repros.  I got them and the front ones do absolutely nothing.  Every little bump I went over, the front end would bounce up and down 5 or 6 times.  I painted the gas shocks that were on it grey and took off the repros.  I would do as Kurt said for driving the car.  If you're going to show it, you could get away with putting your originals on for short drives.  Unless my repros were some sort of defective example, you would be very unhappy driving your car with them on.

i used repros on my 69 and they worked (and still work) perfectly.  maybe you just had a bad pair.

[68Zproject]

Could be.  But I've heard that from a lot of people.

[KurtS]

When they first came out, they said the shocks were for show only.