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Can you run air shocks on a 1964 Impala wagon?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by jasone, Nov 29, 2009.

  1. jasone
    Joined: Jun 2, 2006
    Posts: 431

    jasone
    Member

    Doing some research, trying to find some rear air shocks for a buddy's Impala wagon and have had zero luck. Just wondering if anyone has any helpful info or am I on a deadend mission?
     
  2. THE_DUDE
    Joined: Aug 22, 2009
    Posts: 2,601

    THE_DUDE
    Member

    For some reason air shocks are gettin kinda scarce. I know they did make and sell them to fit the Impalas (wagons are the same as coupes) same stuff 58-64.
     
  3. 54 savoy
    Joined: Jan 10, 2009
    Posts: 424

    54 savoy
    Member

  4. Steves32
    Joined: Aug 28, 2007
    Posts: 1,258

    Steves32
    Member
    from So Cal

  5. jasone
    Joined: Jun 2, 2006
    Posts: 431

    jasone
    Member


    Thanks for the responses.
     
  6. Ramblur
    Joined: Jun 15, 2005
    Posts: 2,101

    Ramblur
    Member

    I WOULD NOT run air shocks on a 64 Chevy! Here's why. The lower shock mount doubles as a rear lower trailing arm mount. The only thing that keeps
    the mount from turning in axle brackets is a small flat on the threaded end
    and a fine spline on the shock mount end. Trying to support any weight on
    this mount is more than likely to strip/wallow the holes on the axle brackets.
    I've seen more than a couple like this back in the 70's when air shocks had
    their heyday.
     
  7. Pete1930
    Joined: May 5, 2006
    Posts: 321

    Pete1930
    Member
    from Boston

    I had some in a 64 Impala coupe back in the early 1990s. Were in there when I bought the car. Sorry, that's all the help I can be.

    Miss that car - 283 4-barrel, powerglide. Was rough, but fun.

    Pete
     
  8. B.A.KING
    Joined: Apr 6, 2005
    Posts: 4,039

    B.A.KING
    Member

    i've got a set on my 59 el camino,not as heavy in the back as a wagon,granted,but i.ve hauled a bunch of chitt in the back of that puppy for about 25 years no and no problemo.
     
  9. lowlife matt
    Joined: Sep 15, 2009
    Posts: 91

    lowlife matt
    Member

    Just tell your local parts place the application is a 70s or 80s Caprice. They'll fit. Not much change back there over the years.
     
  10. Ramblur
    Joined: Jun 15, 2005
    Posts: 2,101

    Ramblur
    Member


    That being said,our fix back then was to stick weld the shock mount to the
    axle bracket and hope you never had to pull the rear end... Of course these
    X frame Chevies were a dime a dozen back then. I traded a 10 speed bicycle for my first 63 Belair wagon.:D

    [​IMG]
     
  11. ryno
    Joined: Oct 6, 2005
    Posts: 3,470

    ryno
    Member

    try to look on napa online, and get a part #
     
  12. jasone
    Joined: Jun 2, 2006
    Posts: 431

    jasone
    Member

    Found a set. Thanks for the helpful tips.
     
  13. dave lewis
    Joined: Dec 12, 2006
    Posts: 1,381

    dave lewis
    Member
    from Nampa ID

    Jas, just remember that the shock mounts were never designed to carry any weight !
    I have seen many cars in the wrecking yard with the shock mounts punched through the trunk floor or torn off the housing....
    A better solution would be a set of air lift bags. Be sure to use individual lines for each bag. Otherwise they will shift air to the lighter side of the car and it will not run level side to side.
    Good luck
    Dave
     
  14. eric-duh other one
    Joined: Dec 8, 2008
    Posts: 22

    eric-duh other one
    Member

    Had air shocks on my 64 and broke both lower mount bolts. It didn't take very long either. Air bags are the way to go. I still have that car, I should take a pic and send it in.....now where is my chain saw?
    Eric
     
  15. Verminator
    Joined: Mar 27, 2007
    Posts: 813

    Verminator
    Member

    I've always had air shocks in my 60 wagon. Probably 3 sets since '73. Still available from Monroe. Car had been loaded to the balls many times. Never broke any mounts. Just don't leave them maxxed out all the time, there's no ride at all. run them with just about half height and you'll still get a decent ride
     
  16. TwoLaneBlacktop
    Joined: Feb 23, 2009
    Posts: 215

    TwoLaneBlacktop
    Member
    from Burien

    It will ride much better with inner spring "Bags" and standard shocks for sure.
     
  17. jasone
    Joined: Jun 2, 2006
    Posts: 431

    jasone
    Member

    All this great is advice is being relayed to the cars owner and is truly appreciated. Bags are not an option cuz we're dealing dealing with a small budget. Not trying to be cheap or unsafe that is for sure. Just looking for good alternatives.
     

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