Shocks: Shocked at shock absorbers: 1950 Champion

[bbbacres]

I would like to replace the nearly antique shock absorbers on my '50 Champion Convertible. I called Napa and asked just for the standard or "basic" shocks, nothing fancy. I was pretty surprised. $33.98 each for the front shocks. As for the rear, they were a shocking $320.99. According to the counter rep, this is classed in their catalog as a "rare part" and NAPA does not make one.

So has someone replaced their shocks at a much more reasonable price? Any advice appreciated!!!

Bruce

[wittsend]

Have you checked RockAuto? It is amazing what they can source.
Never mind, out of curiosity I looked myself and they have the front but not rear.

Nope, Rock Auto only lists a single option, for the front only.

Shocks are often used in similar catagories. It may be that there is an existing shock with the characteristics of the rear shocks needed. The only difference is they have a longer travel. One of the major shock manufacturers has a extensive list of the length (collapsed/extended) connector ends, and shock travel etc. available. So while it might not be "exact" they probably have something for another application that could be completely servisable.

The rear shocks on my '63 Rambler American are Datsun 510 wagon "Mulholland" shocks. The front shocks on my '61 Corvair wagon are also used on mid 60's Buick Riviera's. Same shock but VERY diverse weight loads. The rear shocks on my Pinto wagon are rare (and pricy) but using the sedan shocks I just stacked shock washers on each end to compensate for the needed 'reach' and got back 1"+ of the desired length. Never an issue. So, there might be unstated options available.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

Why do people not check established Studebaker vendors? Studebaker International lists front AND rear shock absorbers for $34.95 each. I know that some off the shelf shocks may sell for a little less, but how hard do you want to work adapting an incorrect fitting shock just to save a few bucks. I’m sure that a Champion Convertible is worth getting the correct shocks.

[wittsend]

Why do people not check established Studebaker vendors? Studebaker International lists front AND rear shock absorbers for $34.95 each. I know that some off the shelf shocks may sell for a little less, but how hard do you want to work adapting an incorrect fitting shock just to save a few bucks. I’m sure that a Champion Convertible is worth getting the correct shocks.

A valid point. For the record I had assumed that the original poster had already checked Studebaker vendors..., or was only willing to purchase from a cash and carry, brick and mortar vendor.

I would disagree that a slightly different shock, (as I cited just more travel) but alike in every other way would not be an "incorrect" shock. And in many cases doing that and other adaptations is all some situations allow for. Thankfully for the OP not the case here.

[bbbacres]

Thanks for the tips. Well, perhaps like others, I made an assumption that a Studebaker vendor would be much more than NAPA. The image one has is that these stores carry specialty items and you pay for the convenience. Do you mind telling me what vendor you checked? Just out of curiosity for our readers, what did you see the rear shocks for, the ones NAPA sells for $321.00? I did just check Studebaker International, and dug into their catalog. They sell the rear for the same as the front, about $35.00. So your point is well taken and thanks. It does say that often the mounting hardware has to be modified or played around with in some installs, but I will have whatever is on the old install if I need it. Thank you.

[StudeRich]

I believe NAPA gets some classic parts from this crook called "Rare Parts" and they just source them from obsolete parts warehouses and just multiply the price by 10 or more if possible.

I have seen this "Rare Parts" price gouging show up on O'Reilly's and other's Websites. They were doing that for the common '51 to '66 Stude. Gabriel Classic Gas Shocks for our "Modern" Cars.

[Ross]

I have Napa 94080 shocks on the back of my 50 Champ. Work great. Order a pair of mounting studs #650-1100 to use at the top.

[Likes2Laff]

I was wondering if there are any front and or rear shock absorbers that are available now that are better than the originals for a 1953 Champion Starliner/Hardtop?

I only have 2 Studebakers but, I have a lot of other older cars and I often find that I can find modern replacements for springs and shocks that are superior to the originals. I have even painted Bilstein shocks black so they are not that crazy bright yellow color!

I realize that would make them not original but there are some parts where I am okay with that. Any suggestion or ideas?

[StudeRich]

Yes, all current Gabriel and Monroe Shocks are Gas Shocks, not Oil, some are "Radial Tuned" if that matters.

Some light Trucks like 1960's Ford Econoline and Dodge 1/2 Ton do use Studebaker Shocks but mostly for Newer than 1950 Studes. and Champ Trucks.

[Likes2Laff]

That's very helpful. Thanks.

I went to their websites and found for 1953 Studebaker Champion:

Monroe:
Front - 5751
Rear - 31094

Gabriel didn't list Studebaker as a make in their selection list for 1953.

[StudeRich]

I Major Mistake on their part, since THEY were THE Major OEM Supplier of Studebaker Shocks.

But since they are Now owned by long time, lower Quality Competitor: Monroe, they will still get your business, one way or the other.

There ARE Gabriel Shocks that Do fit many Studes. so it would be a shame if they do not list them.
Without knowing the Gabriel Part Number of the Shock other Cars use, that is a close enough or dead on match to Studebaker, it would make the Number hard to find.

[Likes2Laff]

Looks like Studebaker International has Gabriel Gas shock absorbers for my 1953 Champion in their Suspension catalog. I'll look into them too.

[Likes2Laff]

I also found some KYB's that I think may work...we'll see :-)

[Jeffry Cassel]

SI lists them for $35. ???????

[Likes2Laff]

Yup. $34.95. I ordered some today.