Topic: Original shocks?

[6R07K]

Hi Everyone

I've just removed what looks like numbers correct Autolite shocks from my car. Was wondering if these have been reproduced so may not be original and if so how can a identify if they are truly original?

[CharlesTurner]

You'll have to provide the numbers on them and possibly pics to know for sure.

[6R07K]

Poor posting on my part 

1966 May ~5th, San Jose, GT k code coupe.

Fronts:
AUTOLITE
MADE IN USA
C6ZF-18045-B
Y 6DB FRONT



Rears:
AUTOLITE
MADE IN USA
C5ZF-18080-A
Y 6DB REAR

[CharlesTurner]

Look like originals to me!  Although, the rears are typically -C for K codes.

[specialed]

Charles look at the top design crimping & the size of lettering & fonting as they look like shocks from back in the 90s when dave  in oh was making shocks custom ordered taking parts store shocks & buffing off printing & engraveing what you wanted back in & what he was doing was good for what he charged but if you look at originals they used different size lettering on different lines.

[CharlesTurner]

I thought the font looked a little large, but didn't think the 65-66 shocks were ever repro'd by that guy?

[J_Speegle]

Some pictures for reference of 66 AUTOLITE marked rear shocks. A couple of variations (we know there were at least two providers)

[6R07K]

Well I think the stamping is a good match for some of Jeff's samples. The font size for Autolite seems to be a little larger then the rest of the numbers.

The rough bit on the top edge could be off, any one else have thoughts on this?

I will admit they seem to be in great cosmetic condition, but this fits with the whole condition of the vehicles underside. Mechanically the rears are serviceable, one front would compress with the weight of a feather and the other has seized and want compress.

[CharlesTurner]

The originals were oil-dampened... if you shake yours, do you hear liquid moving inside?

[J_Speegle]

Your examples appear IMHO to have the lettering too consistent with not differences in compression that would happen during stamping. Yours look a bit more engraved. This may be supported by the edges of each letter - crisp not rolled as the stamp pressed into the metal.

Also notice the upper edge where the body and the top are joined and the differences

Front examples

[specialed]

Did you check the threads coarse  or fine & the top of the shaft head & can measure lenght of shocks both directions & autolite trademark.

[6R07K]

Agree with Jeff they are very clear for stamping. Not sure how they would have engraved it so uniform either.

They are oil filled.

Autolite text appears to be the same size on the fronts and rears. Bottom of the "A" to the end of the "E" is 1.614"

Diameter of the top rear is 6.338"

Diameter of the Fronts is 5.118"

Rear top of thread to end of bottom thread 15.551"

I'd describe the thread as fine, photo below.


Photo of Front shock top.


Photo of Front shock bottom.

[CharlesTurner]

IMHO, being oil-filled is a pretty good indicator that they are original, but of course, not 100% absolute.

[specialed]

The guy making them back in 90s was using oil filled shocks & one reason he quit they were going over to gas filled shocks.

[CharlesTurner]

The guy making them back in 90s was using oil filled shocks & one reason he quit they were going over to gas filled shocks.

If that's the case, then you are probably right that these are re-stamps.  Something about the letters/numbers does look strange.  Noticed the top of the rear shock has a weld seam where the original pics that Jeff posted show spot welds at the top.

It's a shame that if someone had these done for a K code, they didn't get the suffix correct.