67-69 Leaf Spring Shackles

[ZLP955]

Looking for confirmation on how to identify original assembly-line correct rear leaf spring shackles; I have a set which I believe are correct and they each have a letter stamped on the inside face. What other identifying features (other than shape) should originals have, and if there was more than one supplier, did those ID features vary?

[cook_dw]

Tim, look at Chick's build thread on Team Camaro as I know he had photos of his shackles for 68 at least.  I cant remember what the stampings were but they were stamped.

[ZLP955]

Thanks Darrell. Chick's shackle plates appear to be stamped with an 'S' on the outside face, whereas mine have a different letter ('B') stamped on the inside face, hence my original question.
I happened to notice a set very much like mine being offered for sale as 'correct', and just wondered if mine were original or not.

[cook_dw]

I think (which I might be wrong) that there were several suppliers for things like the shackles and I would bet they were stampings for different vendors..  Just an educated guess.

[68camaroz28]

I think (which I might be wrong) that there were several suppliers for things like the shackles and I would bet they were stampings for different vendors..  Just an educated guess.

That would be my guess as well Darrell and as Tim noted mine did have a "S" stamped. Suppliers had a print that had to meet requirements so would think even different suppliers the part would be very similar but there is probably some type of abnormality but would probably take close examination. Will try to check some out and report back.

[ZLP955]

Thanks Chick!

[luv2sixty9]

"B" are known to be on Novas and "S" on Camaros

[Camarocards]

Tim,

Just as a follow on to what Chick reported in his build thread, my '68 also has an "S" stamped on the shackle.

I needed to replace the rubber bushings and couldn't find anyone that sold them separately. Seems like they were all bundled in with the shackle plates so I purchased the entire shackle kit just to use the bushings.

Below is a pic of my original shackles versus the reproductions. Dimensionally they are virtually identical:

Original GM
  Length: 5.355"
  Width: 2.278"
  Thickness: 0.191"

Reproduction
  Length: 5.345"
  Width: 2.245"
  Thickness: 0.196

I have just two observations on the reproductions:
1. The ends of the plate have a more pronounced radius where it transitions into the straight part of the plate.
2. I found no evidence of Zinc plating when I refurbished my originals.

Hope this helps!

Bob

[ZLP955]

Thanks Bob, nice comparison details.

[ZLP955]

"B" are known to be on Novas and "S" on Camaros

Wondering if there is any difference in measurement between the hole centers for Nova and Camaro shackle plates, or are they the same? If anyone could confirm, that'd be great. For reference, my plates are 5 3/8" overall and the hole centers are 3 1/8" apart.

[68camaroz28]

"B" are known to be on Novas and "S" on Camaros

Wondering if there is any difference in measurement between the hole centers for Nova and Camaro shackle plates, or are they the same? If anyone could confirm, that'd be great. For reference, my plates are 5 3/8" overall and the hole centers are 3 1/8" apart.

Tim, have not forgotten ya! Will work to check some cars out this week along with our 69 SS396 survivor we purchased new. See if I can see a stamping.....

[ZLP955]

All good Chick, no hurry! Thanks

[HawkX66]

Hey Tim, I just came across this post... Just in case you didn't get a definite answer to your questions, I can take a measurement tonight if you want. Here is my original 69 shackle. It looks just like Bob's 68 although not in as good shape...

[ZLP955]

Thanks Hawk, a measurement would be much appreciated. I see your shackles are also stamped 'S' on the outer surface.

[HawkX66]

No problem Tim. I'll grab a few measurements when I get home tonight.