SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 04, 2022, 10:52:23 PM

Title: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 04, 2022, 10:52:23 PM
The research I have done about replacement shocks for my 1969 GT500 (Automatic) comes up with KYB or Koni, but I never see an actual part number.

Some Shelby's have small blocks and some have big blocks, did they not get different shocks ?

I still have the original shocks on my car and they are White, but that does not really matter, because I can always paint a new set of shocks the correct color.

Questions:
Does anyone have the correct part#s and/or website for a good set of replacement shocks for my GT500 Drag Pack 69 Automatic ?
Any preferences of KYB or Koni or Gabriel ?
Part #s ?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Mike
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: Bob Gaines on August 04, 2022, 11:15:56 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 04, 2022, 10:52:23 PM
The research I have done about replacement shocks for my 1969 GT500 (Automatic) comes up with KYB or Koni, but I never see an actual part number.

Some Shelby's have small blocks and some have big blocks, did they not get different shocks ?

I still have the original shocks on my car and they are White, but that does not really matter, because I can always paint a new set of shocks the correct color.

Questions:
Does anyone have the correct part#s and/or website for a good set of replacement shocks for my GT500 Drag Pack 69 Automatic ?
Any preferences of KYB or Koni or Gabriel ?
Part #s ?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Mike
There are good driver replacements and there are replacements that look like original. The KYB or Koni driver replacements do not look even close to replacement. This is not a simple or easy problem . The original shocks if your car has the white C9ZX C are very rare and almost impossible to replace . They can be rebuilt for about 300.00 a shock.  In your case the BB auto and all GT350 regardless of trans got the same front and rear shocks. A BB 4 speed got the C9ZX B marked shock. It depends on what you expectations are and how close to original you want to be.
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: J_Speegle on August 04, 2022, 11:48:19 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 04, 2022, 10:52:23 PM
I still have the original shocks on my car and they are White, but that does not really matter, because I can always paint a new set of shocks the correct color.

Yes you can but depending on what you choose as a replacements the difference will be visible to the experienced viewer fro at least ten feet away or further depending on which ones you choose.  For the fronts the KYB have a shape to the top mount that is very different than just about every other shock. Out of the box the standard replacements you have mentioned will lack the adjustment washer that is painted white (in your example) and very visible just under the top mounting of the front shock.

These as well as other details are all choices you have to make depending on your planned usage and if your going to claim you restored the car or something else.  Good thing is that they are bolt on parts that can be changed at a later date. But at a later date the rest of the car may be showing some use and new parts may stand out more
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 04, 2022, 11:51:09 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on August 04, 2022, 11:15:56 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 04, 2022, 10:52:23 PM
The research I have done about replacement shocks for my 1969 GT500 (Automatic) comes up with KYB or Koni, but I never see an actual part number.

Some Shelby's have small blocks and some have big blocks, did they not get different shocks ?

I still have the original shocks on my car and they are White, but that does not really matter, because I can always paint a new set of shocks the correct color.

Questions:
Does anyone have the correct part#s and/or website for a good set of replacement shocks for my GT500 Drag Pack 69 Automatic ?
Any preferences of KYB or Koni or Gabriel ?
Part #s ?

Thanks in advance for any help,
Mike
There are good driver replacements and there are replacements that look like original. The KYB or Koni driver replacements do not look even close to replacement. This is not a simple or easy problem . The original shocks if your car has the white C9ZX C are very rare and almost impossible to replace . They can be rebuilt for about 300.00 a shock.  In your case the BB auto and all GT350 regardless of trans got the same front and rear shocks. A BB 4 speed got the C9ZX B marked shock. It depends on what you expectations are and how close to original you want to be.

Thanks Bob,
Nothing beats the original if they can be rebuilt.
Who do I contact for a rebuild service ?

Mike
Denison, Tx
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: J_Speegle on August 05, 2022, 12:02:38 AM
https://dansshocks.com/ (https://dansshocks.com/)

Shelby shock section

https://dansshocks.com/mustang-shelby-and-boss/ (https://dansshocks.com/mustang-shelby-and-boss/)


Just posted the other day in this thread

https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=3168.msg53495#msg53495 (https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=3168.msg53495#msg53495)
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: Bob Gaines on August 05, 2022, 12:39:45 AM
Yes,Dan's the man. He lives about 10 miles from me.
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: SCJSTU on August 05, 2022, 08:45:06 AM
I just got a set of reproductions from Dan........had to wait about 14 months.....he only works a couple days a week now.

don't know if rebuild service is quicker......

I will be selling the Koni's off my GT350 if you are interested....they are newer type
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: crossboss on August 05, 2022, 12:02:23 PM
For a driver/mild performance car, go with KYBs. You will be amazed how nice it rides and handles.
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: cob428 on August 05, 2022, 01:53:24 PM
Dan did mine and did a phenomenal job..
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: FL SAAC on August 05, 2022, 03:10:38 PM
Street car ? get the firmest KYBs,  go with neoprene bushings all around and radial tires.

It will handle 100% better
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
I contacted Dan and his pricing was reasonable but he said he's 8-12 months out on delivery, so that makes my decision easy:
I'll look for a good set of KYBs and enjoy them while my "born with" set is being rebuilt.

No rush...

Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?  I see alot of sites out there selling the same shocks for Mustangs and claiming they fit the GT500.  I just want to be sure....

Thanks to all~
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: J_Speegle on August 05, 2022, 06:29:52 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?

For your application no

Can you confirm please when the car was built/finished
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: FL SAAC on August 05, 2022, 06:32:18 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
I contacted Dan and his pricing was reasonable but he said he's 8-12 months out on delivery, so that makes my decision easy:
I'll look for a good set of KYBs and enjoy them while my "born with" set is being rebuilt.

No rush...

Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?  I see alot of sites out there selling the same shocks for Mustangs and claiming they fit the GT500.  I just want to be sure....

Thanks to all~

Yes mustang schocks,  the rear maybe different auto. vs manual would be staggered for manual
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:35:22 PM
Quote from: FL SAAC on August 05, 2022, 06:32:18 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
I contacted Dan and his pricing was reasonable but he said he's 8-12 months out on delivery, so that makes my decision easy:
I'll look for a good set of KYBs and enjoy them while my "born with" set is being rebuilt.

No rush...

Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?  I see alot of sites out there selling the same shocks for Mustangs and claiming they fit the GT500.  I just want to be sure....

Thanks to all~

Yes mustang schocks,  the rear maybe different auto. vs manual would be staggered for manual

Thanks ~
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: J_Speegle on August 05, 2022, 06:40:11 PM
All adjustable made by Gabriel for you car. Different shocks and finishes from Mustang though they will "fit"

Here is Pete's page to confirm the type, finishes and details if that would help

http://www.thecoralsnake.com/69suspension (http://www.thecoralsnake.com/69suspension)
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: FL SAAC on August 05, 2022, 06:40:37 PM
Take a look at eichback, beilstein, koni, ( the e - b or k - adjustables types ) Lakewood if you want to take it to the 1/4 mile or just want to get a good lift and plant
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on August 05, 2022, 06:29:52 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?

For your application no

Can you confirm please when the car was built/finished

Answering your question: 
Marti Report shows a build date of: 2/5/69
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: Bob Gaines on August 05, 2022, 07:06:25 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on August 05, 2022, 06:29:52 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?

For your application no

Can you confirm please when the car was built/finished
That build date is odd given the white painted C9ZX marked front and rear shocks were not typically used until the end of March first part of April 69 . I would verify as best you can that the shocks have a C9 prefix or a C7 prefix in the engineering number on the shock .
Both are rare it is just best to determine if right for the car or not. There was a time when Shelby restorers would paint 69/70 shocks white regardless not knowing any better. 
Answering your question: 
Marti Report shows a build date of: 2/5/69
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: Coralsnake on August 05, 2022, 07:11:03 PM
http://www.thecoralsnake.com/69suspension
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 08:03:35 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on August 05, 2022, 07:06:25 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:46:53 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on August 05, 2022, 06:29:52 PM
Quote from: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 05, 2022, 06:25:15 PM
Question: Does the GT500 use the same shocks as the regular Mustang ?

For your application no

Can you confirm please when the car was built/finished
That build date is odd given the white painted C9ZX marked front and rear shocks were not typically used until the end of March first part of April 69 . I would verify as best you can that the shocks have a C9 prefix or a C7 prefix in the engineering number on the shock .
Both are rare it is just best to determine if right for the car or not. There was a time when Shelby restorers would paint 69/70 shocks white regardless not knowing any better. 
Answering your question: 
Marti Report shows a build date of: 2/5/69



Good information, Thank You.
It's up on my lift and I'll check in the morning.  I'll post photos.

Cheers,
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 06, 2022, 12:17:51 PM
Upon closer inspection and sanding off the crud to expose the stamped numbers, I found the following:

Front shocks are BLUE...Will get details soon.


Rear shocks:
White Gabriel Striders
Number: 45257  P1062

The tops/bottoms both spin pretty easy and I'm not sure if they are adjustable or how to adjust them.  They may be so worn out, they may no longer be operational..

Regarding correctness:
For my build date (2/5/69), these may not be the correct shocks.
Regardless, I ordered a set of Konis from CJPP and will enjoy those until I decide what I'll do with these Gabriels.

Question:
Only out of curiosity, do these look correct for my car or are they just a close replacement someone installed ? 

Thanks
Mike

Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: Coralsnake on August 06, 2022, 02:15:32 PM
They are all replacements
Title: Re: What is the best shock replacement for my 69 GT500 ?
Post by: acmemopars@gmail.com on August 06, 2022, 03:33:17 PM
Quote from: Coralsnake on August 06, 2022, 02:15:32 PM
They are all replacements

Good info,
That makes my decision even easier.

Thank You