Topic: 67 Shelby Autolite Shocks

[Bossbill]

While rummaging around on the Shelby parts shelf looking for clutch parts to restore I found two original Autolite rear shocks! I didn't really recognize them earlier as the previous owner had undercoated the car -- and the shocks.

In looking at what I believe is the date code I can pull out a 6M, which works well for my build date, but how is the whole line "T6MB" decoded?

[J_Speegle]

In looking at what I believe is the date code I can pull out a 6M, which works well for my build date, but how is the whole line "T6MB" decoded?

Nice find!

As shown on page #35 of the article about Date Coding in the Library

They would decode as we understand it right now as Plant - Year - Month - Shift

[Bossbill]

Doh!

One demerit for Bill!

I  keep forgetting that the date code stuff is within the Library =>ConcoursMustang.com Official [65-73] Mustang Article List and is not a standalone.

[Bossbill]

Here are two more shots of the Shelby Rear shocks:
Glass Media blasted prior to restoration.
Paint daub found on the bottom of both rear shocks.

Makes me wonder if the fronts also had this color and where.

[J_Speegle]

Paint daub found on the bottom of both rear shocks.

Makes me wonder if the fronts also had this color and where.

Haven't seen that color (looks to be a red related color) as a rear shock paint mark on an adjustable 67 shock. Maybe someone else has.

Fronts would have a color identification at the bottom of the shock - sort of like the rears - at the bottom end just above the mounting bracket on the tube.

[Bob Gaines]

Haven't seen that color (looks to be a red related color) as a rear shock paint mark on an adjustable 67 shock. Maybe someone else has.

Fronts would have a color identification at the bottom of the shock - sort of like the rears - at the bottom end just above the mounting bracket on the tube.

Jeff I suspect it is a monitor issue.  Not a red shade but a lavender purple color. That mark is typical on 67 shocks both front and back. The only shade/color I have ever seen on 67 shocks. The fronts have the mark at about the same distance from the bottom as the rears from what I have seen.

[J_Speegle]

Jeff I suspect it is a monitor issue.  Not a red shade but a lavender purple color. ....................

Maybe  - We'll guess we'll have to get a confirmation from the man on the scene    Have another example but it may be the same issue - camera adjustments, monitor settings and other details that lead to that look also.

Agree that the lavender for that year - that application is what I've found on originals

[Bossbill]

We'll guess we'll have to get a confirmation from the man on the scene.
Agree that the lavender for that year - that application is what I've found on originals

Man on the scene reporting, sir! The color appears the same in person as on my cell and two LCD monitors. It leans more towards red.
This shock has seen undercoating and rust. That was the color found even when I scrapped off the top layer.

I think we want something closer to this?

[Bob Gaines]

Man on the scene reporting, sir! The color appears the same in person as on my cell and two LCD monitors. It leans more towards red.
This shock has seen undercoating and rust. That was the color found even when I scrapped off the top layer.

I think we want something closer to this?

I wouldn't call the color I am seeing on my monitor of the pictures posted as leaning toward red . But that is just me . Regardless the ruling on the last picture posted is as they say , looks close enough for government work , IMHO.

[J_Speegle]

I think we want something closer to this?

Yes

[Bossbill]

Thanks again for your help, guys.

I have most of the hardware and I'll have to see if I can reuse the rubber.
I'll post a pic later in the owner restoration thread.

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks again for your help, guys.

I have most of the hardware and I'll have to see if I can reuse the rubber.
I'll post a pic later in the owner restoration thread.

Check with Chris Brown. He is making the hardware . I am not sure about the rubber bushings.

[J_Speegle]

Figured it was best to build off of this thread to keep all things related together.

Looking into the 67 Shelby adjustable shocks provided by Gabriel I was reminded that this might be a good time to share some findings

So far I've found two versions of the AUTOLITE shocks that I discovered on original shocks installed on these cars during production while looking through the examples I have in photos found and shared with me. Front shock markings seem to follow the same production pattern.


1- AUTOLITE marked shocks painted semi-gloss black. This first version had two horizontal lines to the left and the right of the MADE IN CANADA and but none to left and right of the AUTOLITE.
Production of this style appears to end in Dec 1966 (date on shocks). Reposted Bill's picture from above and added arrows to identify the lines.





2- AUTOLITE marked shocks painted semi-gloss black. This second version had two horizontal lines to the left and the right of the MADE IN CANADA and to the left and right of the AUTOLITE.
Production of this style appears to start in Jan 1966 (date on shocks)




Looking back to Bill's posts it appears he car originally (for the rears) was equipped with one of the earlier and one of the later versions of the AUTOLITE.  Likely others were the same during a transition period 

[Bob Gaines]

I thought I would include some pictures of the style of markings that came before the Autolite trademark in 67 production. The earliest C7ZD shocks had the FoMoCo trademark instead of Autolite. 

[J_Speegle]

I thought I would include some pictures of the style of markings that came before the Autolite trademark in 67 production. The earliest C7ZD shocks had the FoMoCo trademark instead of Autolite.

Was going to include that very early version also but choose not to in that post. Thanks for adding it in.

Is that the latest date you've seen on assembly line FoMoCo 67 shocks?

So I've got so far

1- up to Oct 66 the FoMoCo script stamping

2- Nov - Dec 67 made with AUTOLITE and lines

3- Jan 67-up made with AUTOLITE and no lines on either side of it

Think we have the whole year mapped out