Shock problem ?

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Dec 10, 2014 | 04:56 PM

lonzoo

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From: Ohio

Shock problem ?

First off my 63 had total frame off restoration with every suspension part replaced in 2008. However in the 2 years I have owned it when I go over a speed bump or small pot hole at even 5 mph it sounds like it is bottoming out with a clunk. It drives and handle perfect otherwise. Could this be caused by bad or not correct style front shocks ? Not to sound stupid but how can I determine if the shocks are bad? i have examined all joints and find eveything snug and in good shape..any thoughts?

Dec 10, 2014 | 05:15 PM

66jack

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From: CA

If everything is tight like you say it is...you might be correct in having the wrong shocks..

Not allowing for enough travel, Shocks Too short...

See if you can get the number off of them and check with your local parts dealer to cross reference

Dec 10, 2014 | 05:35 PM

lonzoo

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66jack

Thanks.. will do that

Dec 10, 2014 | 05:53 PM

65 Pro Vette

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From: Horsham Pa

C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

Check the rubber bumper that is under the upper A frame, if it is missing the A frame will hit the frame even at slow speeds.

Dec 10, 2014 | 07:27 PM

lonzoo

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65 Pro Vette

Check the rubber bumper that is under the upper A frame, if it is missing the A frame will hit the frame even at slow speeds.

thanks..will check that out too

Dec 10, 2014 | 09:14 PM

Bluestripe67

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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020

Basics first! Go back and check/tighten ALL the suspension components/bolts. They have been known to loosen. If everything is ok, look for leaking fluid around the body of the shocks assuming they are hydraulic, not gas charged. Make sure the front shocks have the rubber bushing under the top hole along with the top bushing. Make sure the rear trailing arm shims are in place, look at the pinion snubber bushing. Let us know what you find.

Dennis

Dec 10, 2014 | 09:51 PM

Pilot Dan

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From: NJ Hockey beer league

I've seen new BAD shocks, after checking the suspension it's worth removing them and giving the old arm strong test. I found one seized a while back on a friends car. Poor guy tore out what little hair he had left at the time trying to figure it out before I helped him.

Pilot Dan

Dec 11, 2014 | 07:44 AM

Frankie the Fink

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Army

Geez - if you even think the shocks are bad or not sure when they have been changed just put on a set of Monroe Gas-A-Just for a few bucks and that's eliminated and you know you are riding on fresh equipment...

After two years of putting up with this nonsense it seems like a reasonable thing to do. Not normally a fan of "troubleshoot by parts swap" but this is almost a no-brainer...

May sound silly but the other thing on a '63 is to check EVERYthing in the jack stowage compartments...you can get a strange noise from there if all parts to the jack and other stuff is not COMPLETELY secure - ask me how I know !! Take everything out of there temporarily and go for a long ride and see what happens...

Might want to do the same thing with the spare tire carrier - drop it..take off the 4 bolts and get the whole thing out of there temporarily...not that much trouble and then you can see potential trouble areas more easily...

Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Dec 11, 2014 at 08:24 AM.