[GTO71]

Noticed the other day one of my shocks in the rear is leaking and trashed now. Not sure if I should go with a nice quality Bilstein product or go with OEM sprial repos that Inline Tube makes. Its a numbers matching car that has never really been "restored" but keept in good shape for 40 years...not sure yet??

[bigborehunter]

I've seen your car. It's really slick. If you do shows with it, you might want to get those spiral shocks. Mine's a driver. I put in really good adjustables up front and KYB's out back. Unless you're drag racing you don't need really good shocks out back.

[paint guy]

I have a 69 GTO vert with Bilstiens all around. My son has a 72 Chevelle (built on a college student budget) with new, cheapo shocks. Not really an apples to apples comparison, (many other suspension parts upgraded on the GTO that have not yet been upgraded on the Chevelle) but the difference in ride quality is substantial.

[geeteeohguy]

I've had KYB's on my unrestored '67 GTO ragtop since 1984, and have about 120,000 miles on them. They still function just fine and don't leak. I can't believe the service I've gotten out of them. I'd definitely buy them again!!

[GTO71]

I am thinking the OEM repo ones because I am a "purest" kinda with the pontiacs but I just put a set of bilsetins on a lifted jeep, I wonder how the repos's handle?

[PMD1969]

Originally Posted by bigborehunter

I've seen your car. It's really slick. If you do shows with it, you might want to get those spiral shocks. Mine's a driver. I put in really good adjustables up front and KYB's out back. Unless you're drag racing you don't need really good shocks out back.

Is it possible to paint the KYB's to look like the OEM Spiral shocks?

[bigborehunter]

I suppose the gray paint is available, you can even two tone it to fake the spirals but the big deal about the spiral shocks is those tubes really have indented metal where the spirals are. If you want to compete in shows where other concours vehicles are entered the spiral shocks are a no brainer. You need them. Me, I drive my cars because I found competing in showcar category got expensive and there was always someone who had more money and time than I do.

[Loffen]

I was down the same track on my -71 Lemans, I tried to find nos spairals with no luck and where sceptical to the repro quality (China ??) so I went with a couple of years newer Nos delco replacements as I did feel that it was the best of two evils..

[4SLASH6]

I have the KYB'S all around and yes, I painted them gray with correct paint from one of our major vendors. looks fine. have been on the car now 9 years. I will say this, the shocks are fairly stiff. not so much noticable driving, but they do effect/lift ride height on the front of my car, even with all new suspension and springs.

[PMD1969]

Originally Posted by 4SLASH6

I have the KYB'S all around and yes, I painted them gray with correct paint from one of our major vendors. looks fine. have been on the car now 9 years. I will say this, the shocks are fairly stiff. not so much noticable driving, but they do effect/lift ride height on the front of my car, even with all new suspension and springs.

Are you using the KYB Gas-A-Just shocks in the front?

[4SLASH6]

nope, just std. gas. they were actually very hard to compress by hand in order to install.

[4SLASH6]

shock paint.

[A.W.Dille]

If you don't drive the car on a regular basis and what the original look then go for the reop spirals, but even though I myself have never used them, the KYB's will likely serve you better if you plan on driving the car long distances or drive the car fairly regular.