Topic: 66 Shock tower caps?

[ChrisV289]

Working on my dad's Shelby while I am at home visiting and noticed his caps are different than my 65 fastback. Are these correct for a 66 hertz?

[Bob Gaines]

Working on my dad's Shelby while I am at home visiting and noticed his caps are different than my 65 fastback. Are these correct for a 66 hertz?

Yes and no. That basic reinforced upper shock bracket is correct but the ones in the picture are a reproduction. Although similar the ones that are typically original on a 65-70 Shelby have a slightly different washer and are attached in a different way .

[specialed]

Isnt the  longer 65-66 shock shaft a different lenght than the 67-70 shorter shaft?

[jwc66k]

Although similar the ones that are typically original on a 65-70 Shelby have a slightly different washer and are attached in a different way .

AMK 2014 Catalog pg 182, AMK stock number - B-13019, is indicated by AMK as the correct washer for the shock tower.
Jim

[Bob Gaines]

Isnt the  longer 65-66 shock shaft a different lenght than the 67-70 shorter shaft?

Are you referring to the shock cross bar head or the hydraulic shaft of the shock?

[ChrisV289]

So how were those washers attached to the shock tower cap usually? Branda is the only one that sells the ones that are currently on the car. Also did they use the same shock bolts with Sems in the middle because they were a little hard to get in and the ones that were in were very hard to get out. What was the purpose of the washer anyway?

[lancelot66]

The washers mentioned that I've seen attached to these caps for Shelby's were tack-welded in a couple of spots, opposite each other. It was all done for added strength purposes, where the Koni's would have more beef underneath for additional stress loads (racing). There are some vendors out there that carry the bolts, which are quite a bit different (probably stronger too but I'm not sure of the grade of bolt they use):

http://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/65-66-GT350-SHELBY-MUSTANG-TOP-BOLTS-FOR-FRONT-KONI-SHOCKS-SET-OF-4-P438273.aspx

[J_Speegle]

So how were those washers attached to the shock tower cap usually?

The edge of the thick washer was tack welded in a couple of spots to keep it attached and in place

Also did they use the same shock bolts with Sems in the middle because they were a little hard to get in and the ones that were in were very hard to get out.

Depends on the year and shock used. The thin flat style is found on 65's and 66's with the Koni's. When they switched to the adjustables they went to the standard factory style of SEMS

What was the purpose of the washer anyway?

Strengthen the area of the shock mount and spread the load out slightly. Done on export cars and part of that package - borrowed for the early Shelby's

[ChrisV289]

Thanks for all the information.  Going to have to order new shock tower caps from Branda as they have the ones currently on the car and one hole is a little messed up now and the bolts from Virginia Mustang.