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Old 09-11-2019, 06:15 PM
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Default Shock Absorber Color?

Just changed out the original shocks on my 45,000 mile '72 Esprit. They are date code correct, so I'm sure they're factory installed.
My question is, I'm surprised to see that they are black, not gray. When did GM (or at least Pontiac) switch from gray to black?

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Old 09-11-2019, 11:13 PM
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1971455HO 1971455HO is offline
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I know why you ask, but since you have them off, lightly sand one of them just to see if someone prior to your ownership had blacked them in just to freshen them up. They may be supposed to be black, I have not saw it mentioned here before though. Not an expert on '72's but just a guess. 70 & 71 (Dove Gray). Hope someone here knows.

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Old 09-12-2019, 11:03 AM
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Some got black at set up at the dealership. Black was available to spray anywhere underneath that could be seen from the back or sides.
I had a few customers who bought a new Bird, go into service, and walk under the car with me and tell me what they wanted lubed and sprayed, in addition
to what I already did. Typically, if painted, only bottom got any though. I have a original set from my Formula, I will have to look at them again.

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Old 09-13-2019, 03:05 PM
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Well, well. well! I've been fooled. Attacked one of the rear shocks with lacquer thinner to find that there is indeed gray under all the black. Why someone would go to all this trouble to remove, mask off the ends and paint 'em black is a mystery to me. But that's what it looks like. Obviously if someone had just shot the whole underneath rear of the car, the black would be everywhere, which isn't the case here.
So thanks for the basic tip!
BTW for the curious, the date code on all four is 264-71..

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Old 09-13-2019, 05:28 PM
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Glad I was right, even if it was just a guess. I'm married, so I don't get to be right very much . I'm hoping you are going to keep them and get them rebuilt. Can't remember who on here knows who to send them to. But original correct date coded spiral shocks are damn near an impossibility to recover. Just a suggestion. If you don't want them, I'll take them off your hands ()

Eddie

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Son video'd this...
http://s223.photobucket.com/user/fas...a.mp4.html?o=0
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Old 09-13-2019, 07:01 PM
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I put currently available AC Delco (Rock Auto) low pressure gas shocks on the Esprit for now. Of course they're black which I had thought was good. Guess I'll need to pull them and shoot 'em gray so all the worms I run over will be happy that at least they're the right color!!
Eddie, I do have another set of early '72 dated spiral shocks from another Esprit I parted. Interested?

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Old 09-14-2019, 08:55 AM
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I was kidding you about your original shocks, but thanks for the offer. I'm doing okay on OEM spare parts for my car. Got'em all labeled and boxed up so when I croak somebody else can sell them and laugh about it. I'm not as anal about all correct as I was 10 years ago. Spent a bunch of money for the little stuff nobody would ever see. I ended up asking myself....WHY?

I'm resolved to just being able to drive my car and be happy. Nobody I've met has ridiculed me for my (painted gray) Monroe shocks, Wagner headlights, the extra wire (Pertronix) sticking out of my original distributor, Ames wiper blades, etc. It just don't matter, The car looks and runs good, that's good enough.

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Ol' man Smith

Pigeon Forge, Tn. Grand Rod Run Spring 2012
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUIuGvWWthA

http://s223.photobucket.com/user/fas...d%20Run%202012

Son video'd this...
http://s223.photobucket.com/user/fas...a.mp4.html?o=0
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Old 09-14-2019, 04:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1971455HO View Post
I was kidding you about your original shocks, but thanks for the offer. I'm doing okay on OEM spare parts for my car. Got'em all labeled and boxed up so when I croak somebody else can sell them and laugh about it. I'm not as anal about all correct as I was 10 years ago. Spent a bunch of money for the little stuff nobody would ever see. I ended up asking myself....WHY?

I'm resolved to just being able to drive my car and be happy. Nobody I've met has ridiculed me for my (painted gray) Monroe shocks, Wagner headlights, the extra wire (Pertronix) sticking out of my original distributor, Ames wiper blades, etc. It just don't matter, The car looks and runs good, that's good enough.
I here ya. Sometimes good enough is just good enough (and more fun!).

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