"Rare Parts" shock absorber info needed.

[rapidride2]

I was wondering about anyone's experiences with Rare Parts shock absorbers?

These shocks are listed at $118 each. I don't mind paying for superior quality, however I haven't been able to find out much about their quality. After $472 for 4 shocks I want to have a good idea if they are worth it for a 1956 Buick Roadmaster.

Any experiences/ info with rare parts shock absorbers would be appreciated. Thanks, Matt.

[BUSHOCKER]

Check... Ebay 1956 Buick front NEW shocks pair $34.99+shipping

Good Luck.

[rapidride2]

Check... Ebay 1956 Buick front NEW shocks pair $34.99+shipping

Good Luck.

I still have this option. However I was looking for something that didn't start to soften up after 10-12k miles so I was wondering if these rare parts shocks were worth their price or not.

[StillOutThere]

I'm not a Buick guy but say the thread and will comment. I have Chrysler products and absolutely am thrilled with using KYB Gas-a-Just shocks on several of my cars. Of course it usually takes some work with the specifications book (on line) to find an interchange but at about $35 each through Summit Racing (on line) or your local parts house for a few dollars more, they are the best shocks I've used on any '50s - 60s car. I finally got some control in my '60 300F Chrysler which is no lightweight. Nothing harsh in ride at all.

[rapidride2]

I'm not a Buick guy but say the thread and will comment. I have Chrysler products and absolutely am thrilled with using KYB Gas-a-Just shocks on several of my cars. Of course it usually takes some work with the specifications book (on line) to find an interchange but at about $35 each through Summit Racing (on line) or your local parts house for a few dollars more, they are the best shocks I've used on any '50s - 60s car. I finally got some control in my '60 300F Chrysler which is no lightweight. Nothing harsh in ride at all.

YEah I was thinking about that as well. I've used kyb's as well. They are a an okay shock especially for the money. I just was looking for something by application. It sure would be nice to know if these Buick shocks crossed with a chevy or something a tad more common. Thanks for the tip.

[NTX5467]

The shocks themselves (the "guts" of them) might be similar to what Chevy used, BUT one of the main things is that EACH GM division usually had their own unique shock absorber mounting set-up from each other. A Chevy might have a stud that used rubber grommets whereas a Buick might use a sleeved rubber bushing mounted into a metal "circle" at the end of the shock.

From the various mounting configurations, there's still the extended/compressed lengths to deal with. Plus I suspect the valving for a Buick shock would be softer than that for a Chevy shock. Each GM division was doing their own things back then, as each had their own Chief Engineers who worked with particular orientations of how to best do things. This is what tended to give each GM division their own unique characteristics and "feel", to play to a particular customer demographic.

Just some thougths,

NTX5467

[old-tank]

Part Number: RR 94008 ....~$52.00/pair

Product Line: NAPA Response

I remembered this thread after buying some front shocks for my 51 F-1 truck. Looking at the buyers guide it listed 56-58 Buick using this same shock probably on the rear. I checked other parts stores like Advance and O'Reilly and they sell the Rare Parts brand for $100-150 each.

For your front shocks, check my website for some possible help.

Willie

Edited March 23, 2012 by Peter Gariepy (see edit history)

[rapidride2]

Part Number: RR 94008 ....~$52.00/pair

Product Line: NAPA Response

I remembered this thread after buying some front shocks for my 51 F-1 truck. Looking at the buyers guide it listed 56-58 Buick using this same shock probably on the rear. I checked other parts stores like Advance and O'Reilly and they sell the Rare Parts brand for $100-150 each. Do your own research and you will conclude that Rare Parts is just a bunch of thieves!

For your front shocks, check my website for some possible help.

Willie

I think I am leaning towards the latter. I called Rare Parts yesterday. I asked them straight up why their shocks are so much? (Is it comparable to a bilstein etc) I got an answer that they were made by "cure ride" which is an older shock manufacturer,,, I basically got that they charge higher prices because of most of their shocks being "non-stock shelf items" rather than being a legitimately higher quality shock. For this I will pass on Rare Parts.

[rapidride2]

Part Number: RR 94008 ....~$52.00/pair

Product Line: NAPA Response

I remembered this thread after buying some front shocks for my 51 F-1 truck. Looking at the buyers guide it listed 56-58 Buick using this same shock probably on the rear. I checked other parts stores like Advance and O'Reilly and they sell the Rare Parts brand for $100-150 each. Do your own research and you will conclude that Rare Parts is just a bunch of thieves!

For your front shocks, check my website for some possible help.

Willie

Hey old tank,,, I wish I could get an answer as to whether 56 shocks are the same as 58 Buick shocks or anything else for that matter. I've had good luck with kyb shocks and i believe they sell a front and rear shock for a 58' Buick... interesting.

[NTX5467]

When "Cure-Ride" was around, back then, I recall it being (possibly) a decent quality item, but NOT in the same category as Monroe, Gabriel, or Delco.

The eBay link is to a vendor that seems to have a huge bunch of shocks available. The seller claims they are Gabriels of various models. Price is decent at approx $100.00/set of 4, or less. Just not sure if Gabriel is still selling them or if this is their liquidated obsolete stock.

Many people seem to like the KYB shocks.

As to comparing Cure-Ride with Bilstein? NO comparison. Especially since Bilsteins are a "high pressure" gas shock and the Cure-Rides are comparitively in what I'd term "bush leagues".

IF there's an old-line long-time "embeded" parts store around with older paper catalogs, from the 1970s or so, their listings might go far enough back to find real, earlier part numbers for the shocks you seek. Then, you could get into the back sections and get the specs for the shocks. Extended length, compressed length (very critical!), plus the upper and lower mounting configurations. Then, use this information to find an application which is of the same general weight and size and spring rates. Get all four, if possible. At least, starting with the more original part numbers and specs you might end up with a better match, I suspect.

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[TexRiv_63]

[quote name=NTX5467;1012807

IF there's an old-line long-time "embeded" parts store around with older paper catalogs' date=' from the 1970s or so, their listings might go far enough back to find real, earlier part numbers for the shocks you seek. Then, you could get into the back sections and get the specs for the shocks. Extended length, compressed length (very critical!), plus the upper and lower mounting configurations. Then, use this information to find an application which is of the same general weight and size and spring rates.

NTX5467

Matt,

Good advice to stay away from Rare Parts. If you can't find the catalog info mentioned above, take off a front and rear shock and measure them. Go the the Monroe website, they have a tool where you pick the attachment type, plug in the dimensions and it will let you search all shocks they offer to find a match, then you can use the number to find a modern application. I just used this for front shocks on my Lincoln, turned out they were the same as those used on a 94 Dodge truck!

[NTX5467]

In looking at the Monroe website, the "Monroe-Matics" used to be their entry level shock absorber. Somewhat akin to a normal OEM standard shock with a 1" diameter piston. Now, it seems they've been upgraded with a larger piston, but not quite as big as the old Super 500 hd shocks of the 1960s and 1970s. This line also does not rely upon slots cut in the cylinder's surface to help bypass fluid in the middle of the shock's travel, for a softer ride that'll stiffen up with more wheel movement . . . unlike the SensaTracs which have the grooves. I like my shocks with "complete valving" rather than what might appear to be a "band aid fix", to me.

Thanks, Don, for mentioning that search tool! I'll have to check that out!

Enjoy!

NTX5467

[rapidride2]

Part Number: RR 94008 ....~$52.00/pair

Product Line: NAPA Response

I remembered this thread after buying some front shocks for my 51 F-1 truck. Looking at the buyers guide it listed 56-58 Buick using this same shock probably on the rear. I checked other parts stores like Advance and O'Reilly and they sell the Rare Parts brand for $100-150 each. Do your own research and you will conclude that Rare Parts is just a bunch of thieves!

For your front shocks, check my website for some possible help.

Willie

Quick question. Believe it or not I found a place in California who offers a set of Bilstein shocks for 56-57 Buick Specials. Are the Special shocks the same as Roadmaster? According to Advanced auto parts the rare parts shocks are the same part numbers for all 4 shocks. I don't mind paying more$ for a quality shock such as a Bilstein if they will work.

[NTX5467]

If you desire Bilsteins, you'll need to have all four rather than just two. One reason is that the Bilsteins are "high pressure" gas shocks, which will physically raise the car a little at the end they're on. Most other "gas shocks" are not of the high pressure nature, but usually just enough pressure to keep the shock fluid from aerating (with related "loss of shock control") on rough roads. The KYBs are usually "mid-pressure" and might not raise the suspension enough to notice. Other "gas shocks" are lower pressure.

Other than this, are those shocks "originally designed" for the particular application OR are they converted from more currently-available shocks?

The other thing is that, with all due respect, Bilsteins might be a little bit of over-kill on that application. For the uses which many of our vintage Buicks see, a normal set of quality shocks, with appropriate valving, would be fine. One poster in the Chrysler area noted that KYB Gas-Adjust shocks worked weill on his '60 Chrysler letter car.

Your car, your money.

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[old-tank]

I installed the NAPA shocks, they perform as expected, the price was right. If they don't look like you want they are local and returnable.

[TexRiv_63]

In looking at the Monroe website, the "Monroe-Matics" used to be their entry level shock absorber. Somewhat akin to a normal OEM standard shock with a 1" diameter piston. Now, it seems they've been upgraded with a larger piston, but not quite as big as the old Super 500 hd shocks of the 1960s and 1970s. This line also does not rely upon slots cut in the cylinder's surface to help bypass fluid in the middle of the shock's travel, for a softer ride that'll stiffen up with more wheel movement . . . unlike the SensaTracs which have the grooves. I like my shocks with "complete valving" rather than what might appear to be a "band aid fix", to me.

NTX, the shocks I used on my Lincoln are their "Gas-Magnum" type and are truck shocks with a large piston and oversized rod. I was concerned thay would be stiff but they delivered a very smooth and controlled ride, of course the Lincoln is pretty heavy.

Matt, Bilsteins are great shocks but be careful. A number of years ago I used them on mid 90s full size Chevys and Buicks with good results but there was a major difference in valving and ride quality dependent on which ones you picked. They are a true high performance shock but if the valving is wrong they will rattle your teeth! I would contact Bilstein directly with part numbers of what you are looking at and have them tell you what the ride characteristics will be.

[rapidride2]

NTX, the shocks I used on my Lincoln are their "Gas-Magnum" type and are truck shocks with a large piston and oversized rod. I was concerned thay would be stiff but they delivered a very smooth and controlled ride, of course the Lincoln is pretty heavy.

Matt, Bilsteins are great shocks but be careful. A number of years ago I used them on mid 90s full size Chevys and Buicks with good results but there was a major difference in valving and ride quality dependent on which ones you picked. They are a true high performance shock but if the valving is wrong they will rattle your teeth! I would contact Bilstein directly with part numbers of what you are looking at and have them tell you what the ride characteristics will be.

Thats a good idea to call Bilstein. I will do that.