1955 Series 62 Front Shocks

[kadillackid]

Has anyone had luck finding correct fit name brand front shocks for the 1955 coupes? With the help of tech support at Gabriel, they identified GA81744 as the closest fit.

My research indicates that the 1955 design does not interchange with 1954 or 1956.

BTW, I had no problem locating correct shocks for the rear.

[dn010]

[Cadman-iac]

  Kadkid,

I have both a 55 and a 56, and the only difference between them is how the shock mounts to the lower control arm. The 55 uses a bracket that the shock mounts to, then it's bolted to the arm.
In 56, the shock is bolted directly to the arm. I no longer have the 55 shocks to look at, as it was just a parts car, but I've looked at both very carefully as I was considering a disc brake kit. They didn't list one for 56, just 55 and back, and 57 and up and I wanted to know why. That is the only thing I can find, well other than the obvious master cylinder/booster location.
In fact, I'm using 55 suspension currently to hold up the 56 while I was refurbishing the suspension for it.

Hope this helps.

Rick

[Lexi]

Rick is correct. See the attached image below. Clay/Lexi

[Cadman-iac]

  If memory serves, the bottom of the shock on the 56 has the same dimensions as the original bracket on the 55, so if you wanted to you can delete the bracket and use the newer shock and bolt it directly to the lower arm.
 I think the designers were trying to save money by using a reusable bracket on the bottom of the shocks, instead of having to pay for a new one with each replacement shock.
 From what I remember about that bracket, it didn't look strong enough to last. The elements would have been hard on them, causing the shocks to break free eventually from the stress on them.
 It also required the mechanic to remove an additional bolt to replace the shock. With the newer design, there are only 2 bolts on the bottom instead of 3.

 Thanks for the illustrations Clay, very helpful.


 Rick