Gabriel 536398

[pszikszai]

I am restoring a 53 hard top.
I have a set of Gabriel front shocks #536398.
Serial # 682.
I had these for a long time and I don't remember what they are for.

I cannot find any reference to those numbers in any of my manuals.
Does anyone know if they would work on a 53 V8 hardtop?
Thanks
Paul

[StudeRich]

Yes! That is a very good choice for any '53 to '56 Stude. which SHOULD have the shock adapter cup bolted to the lower "A" Arm to mount the Straight Stud Type of Front Shock.
Those are the original Studebaker OEM H.D. Option, listed in the '55-'58 Studebaker Chassis Parts Catalog for 1955 and 1956, all models. [^]

I believe these may be the H.D. Adjustable type, that you fully extend and twist to set it at soft med or firm before installation, if not they are just H.D. either way, they are very good shocks if the seals have not dried out over the years causing them to leak oil, I would certainly try them out and watch them for leaks after use. [^]

You can also use these on later cars by adding the "Cup" and the hard to find 5/16" SAE fine thread carriage bolts.


StudeRich at Studebakers Northwest -Ferndale,WA

[pszikszai]

I have lots of manuals but not those.
Thank you very much.
Paul