Gabriel shocks

[JohnB]

I have located a dealer with a lot of (Several 1000) vintage Gabriel shocks with an ...interesting a$king figure!
What part#s would be smart to look for?

Thanks
John

[Coralsnake]

I have never seen the Gabriel part numbers, however Gabriel shocks that look like their original Ford counterparts were sold under the name "Strider" and "Red Rider"

The main thing would be to look for Mustang specific shocks that look like the original shocks they made for Ford.

It's unlikely you will find the Ford versions.

[Coralsnake]

[rhjanes]

Mid to late 70's, I put myself thru college selling auto parts.  Gabriel were the main shocks we sold.  They were good products.  The Striders and Red Riders both.  But these were non-Ford, Aftermarket shocks.  I don't think in my 4+ years of selling them, we ever had one returned due to a failure.

[gt350hr]

  Adjustable E shocks for the Mustang are very good too.

[JohnB]

I have never seen the Gabriel part numbers, however Gabriel shocks that look like their original Ford counterparts were sold under the name "Strider" and "Red Rider"

The main thing would be to look for Mustang specific shocks that look like the original shocks they made for Ford.

It's unlikely you will find the Ford versions.

They have a lot of Striders! Do not think they have any Ford versions.

Thanks
John

[JohnB]

  Adjustable E shocks for the Mustang are very good too.

Never heard about them! Any pics or part#s?

Thanks
John

[Coralsnake]

Gabriel was the original manufacturer of many Ford shocks

Their aftermarket lines carried similar looking shocks, but they could not sell the Autolite versions.

[CharlesTurner]

Gabriel was the original manufacturer of many Ford shocks

Their aftermarket lines carried similar looking shocks, but they could not sell the Autolite versions.

+1... even some early Mustangs had a 'G' insignia on the front shocks, along with the normal Ford engineering number/date.

[Jbarela]

I have these rears as spares..if pics dont show I cN PM someone to post.

[Bob Gaines]

I have these rears as spares..if pics dont show I cN PM someone to post.

With those date codes the adjustable Ford shocks would typically be painted a Blue. At least on all of the original Shelby examples that I have seen where they came standard. The lighter Ford engine blue is a very close match.

[outlawincorporated]

here is a blue Gabriel take from a 66 350H

regards

PHILL BERESFORD
MELBOURNE.
AUSTRALIA.

[Bob Gaines]

Here is a good example of a original early unrestored 66 GT350 shock .The lighter Ford blue engine color is very close.

[J_Speegle]

From my experience the color used for the blue in 66 appears to vary a bit not sure if this is connected to batches (dates) or day to day and remember that pictures on the internet or from cameras can differ allot based on settings, lighting as other things. Exposure of one set verses is another reason for the differences in tint

Likely have a few dozen examples in pictures from that many cars

Here are a couple of examples of original paint front examples. Believe these two were slightly different colors though they look very different in the pictures




And I had some original color (after I removed the top layer of exposed paint) match. Same color two different lighting shots

[J_Speegle]

I have located a dealer with a lot of (Several 1000) vintage Gabriel shocks with an ...interesting a$king figure!
What part#s would be smart to look for?

John the challenge with what you have found is that the over the counter adjustable Gabriels went through at least 4-5 different changes including shape, washer size, markings and other details. If we provided a number then you would need to examine and compare to see how far off the what you found is from what the original your looking for was like. As for numbers you can make them out on many of the examples I posted below

As part of these changes the shocks were made in three (at least) different countries as I understand it. US, Mexico and Canada

Here are a number of examples (pictures) I have of the different  variations and in some cases part numbers being used during those periods


Believe this is a Stryder. Notice the much smaller (than for out shocks) upper washer on this example of a front shock




Stryders


Gabriel Adjustable "E" shocks




Styders Computer Tuned next to a 66 version. Easy to see just some of the differences



And a pair of rears



Gabriel stamped large on the main body of cover
Front


Rear



Red Ryder with large Gabriel




And another version originally painted red so might be another Red Ryder with a slightly different set of markings