Today I worked on restoring some original assembly line shocks. The top rubber part was shot. I pressed out the axles and rubber bushings.
I bought a pair of Gabriel “Classic Series” shocks. With the axle clamped in the bench vise I sprayed the bushing with WD-40. Twisting the shock removed the bushing and the axle as a unit.
Note - this won’t work with Monroe shocks. I wasted $48 trying that first.
Here is the finished product. Just need to finish stripping the paint and refinish them.
Nice work Royce.
Nice Royce! Did you end up refinishing your old windshield trim yourself, or did you get some refinished stuff from Don? I’m having a little trouble getting my refinished stuff to stay locked in (bottom piece and side) just on the drivers side lower corner.
Can see one of your other classics peeking out in the back ground 
Is that the 1910?
Yes I buffed out all but the bottom piece of the windshield trim. The bottom piece had a dent so it got replaced with a new one.
Yep that’s the 10. If I ever finish the R code Cougar the 1910 is next.
Yesterday I finally had all the things I needed to assemble the tail lights and put them back on the car. Spent all day on them, from bead blasting the bases to masking and painting.
Nicely done Royce!
Looking good, anticipating the front end work and details!
Who did you use to rechrome the bezels?
WCCC - they were so nice it seemed a shame to paint them.
Today was a milestone of sorts. I got four of the wheels and tires mounted and balanced. That way I can turn it around for the transmission and engine to go in.
Looking goooooood! I’m surprised you used the SEM “color coat” paint on the taillight bezels, isn’t that more intended for vinyl and such?
Edited comments - You are right, I liked the look of it compared to original. We will see how it holds up over time.
Who is the supplier on the Goodyear’s?
I shopped hard and found that Wal-Mart had the cheapest price and also I qualified for free shipping. Saved more than $100 compared to the next best option.
Thanks, that’s good info. I put Firestones on mine but I like the looks of the Goodyears better so I might make a swap on that and put the Firestones on something else.
Gotcha! Hopefully it’ll work fine. I used the SEM Trim Black on mine, as well as the front grilles. I feel like a salesman for the stuff, I seem to mention it a lot. But it’s great stuff.
