I am in the middle of a frame off restoration of my 1970 Cutlass Conv. I need to order replacement shocks ASAP as the frame is on its way to the powdercoater.

I understand that the originals were "spiral", however I had not heard anything good anout them in relation to the ride.

Has anyone already gone down this road and can offer advise? I a trying to keep the car as origianl as posiable, but I dont want to sacrifice ride quality.

Are there and other replacement shocks that are the correct color at least and provide a decent ride?

Scott K

 

IF you can do without the spiral, you could choose almost any shock and paint them "GM Shock Grey"...
I did this with a seto of Bilsteins that I got from shockwarehouse for 65 each...
Ride with these is much more controlled, but not as floaty as the original styles.
A regular set of Monroes should be similar to the performance shocks offered back then. I have these on my '86 and the ride is more plush.




"...the butt-ugly circus-colored Bilstein shocks were painted 'GM shock grey'. This was easy and saved me 40 bucks each from having to buy their black “classic car” series. I contacted them to see if this would void the warranty and they said it would not. "

Front:

 

You know you like the purty blue/yellow shocks.

 

I've got the purty blue and yellow shocks on my car, and I would have painted them, but it's a bloody rustbucket, so I just don't care .

By the way: I like 'em, but they're not going to be everybody's cup of tea.
They're a little bit harsh compared to the originals, but they handle MUCH better .

- Eric

 

I've also had good service and a decent ride with KYB shocks, as long as you don't mind their white color.

 

If you like 'em, paint 'em!

 

As much as I can appreciate originality, I wouldn't go that far myself. At the rate my restoration is going it would slow me down to a dead stop to make sure every component had a factory correct appearance. I'll be satisfied with a fully functional driver that will get me and my wife safely to car shows and the like. (assuming that day ever gets here!)